Dysdera affinis facts for kids

Dysdera affinis is a type of spider. It was first described in 1996. This spider is found in Spain, a country in Europe. It belongs to a group of spiders called woodlouse hunter spiders. These spiders are known for their special diet.

What is Dysdera affinis?

Dysdera affinis is part of the Dysdera genus. Spiders in this group are often called woodlouse hunters. They get this name because they mostly eat woodlice. Woodlice are small, crustacean-like creatures. They are also known as roly-polies or pill bugs. These spiders are not dangerous to humans. They are usually shy and live hidden away.

Where Does It Live?

Dysdera affinis lives in Spain. Like other woodlouse hunter spiders, it prefers certain places. You can often find them under rocks, logs, or bark. They also live in leaf litter and gardens. They like damp, dark places. This is because their favorite food, woodlice, also lives in these spots. They are mostly active at night.

What Does It Eat?

Dysdera affinis is a predator. Its main food source is woodlice. These spiders have special fangs to help them hunt. Their fangs are long and strong. They are perfect for piercing the tough outer shell of a woodlouse. Unlike many spiders, they do not build webs to catch their prey. Instead, they actively hunt for their food. They sneak up on woodlice and grab them.

How Big Is It?

Most Dysdera spiders are medium-sized. They can be about 1 to 1.5 centimeters long. This is about the size of your fingernail. Females are usually a bit larger than males. Their bodies are often reddish-brown. Their legs can be a lighter color. They have a smooth, shiny body.

Interesting Facts About Dysdera Spiders

Dysdera spiders are quite unique. They have some cool features that help them survive.

Hunting at Night

These spiders are nocturnal. This means they are most active at night. They come out of their hiding spots to hunt for food. During the day, they stay hidden. This keeps them safe from predators. It also helps them avoid drying out.

Special Fangs

The fangs of Dysdera spiders are very special. They point forward, not down. This makes them perfect for grabbing woodlice. The fangs are also very strong. They can easily pierce the hard shell of their prey. This unique fang structure sets them apart from many other spiders.

See also

In Spanish: Dysdera affinis para niños

• List of Dysderidae species