Woodlouse Spider

When I was scrabbling round in an old pile of stones I found snails, millipedes, woodlice and this jolly little spider.  This is Dysdera crocata, the Woodlouse Spider.  It's not called that because it looks like a woodlouse but because IT EATS THEM.  It is one of the few spiders with fangs strong enough to break through the woodlouse carapace.

But Dysdera is very shy.  She doesn't like the light and quickly hides herself away, so she is quite tricky to photograph.  You may find her in a damp cellar.  Woodlice like damp and dark so Dysdera has to follow.

The flash makes her look very bright but she is more colourful than many spiders.

One of my favourites because she is easy to recognise.