What environmental requirement for woodlice dictates the typical habitat choice of Dysdera crocata?
Answer
Consistent moisture and darkness
The habitat preferences of the Woodlouse Spider are directly dictated by the needs of its primary prey, woodlice, which belong to the order *Isopoda*. Woodlice must avoid desiccation because they breathe using modified gills, making consistent moisture and darkness essential for their survival. Consequently, the spider seeks out the same dark, damp locations—such as under stones, mulch, leaf piles, or in damp basements—to ensure its food source is nearby. The spider follows its food source into these sheltered environments.
Related Questions
What is the primary, dominant prey item forming the diet of Dysdera crocata?What is the scientific name for the Woodlouse Spider mentioned in the text?To what taxonomic order do the preferred prey, woodlice, belong?What color is frequently described for the cephalothorax of the Woodlouse Spider?How is the immediate effect of a D. crocata bite typically compared in terms of human impact?Does the Woodlouse Spider rely on traditional large capture webs for capturing prey?What environmental requirement for woodlice dictates the typical habitat choice of Dysdera crocata?What is the primary function of the prominent, reddish-orange chelicerae of D. crocata?Which category of creature is consumed only opportunistically by Dysdera crocata?Why might a Woodlouse Spider be observed inside a building during dry outdoor conditions?