Dysdera crocata is difficult to distinguish from the less common Dysdera erythrina in the field. Both species eat woodlice on nocturnal hunting trips. Records for Dysdera crocata in Cornwall are widespread and it is invariably found near human habitation. The differences between the two species are quite subtle and specimens need to be carefully checked.

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Fig. 1 (left): Dysdera crocata from Reading eating a woodlouse (Porcellio scaber).
Fig. 2 (right): Dysdera has six eyes (most spiders have eight).