What specific terrestrial crustaceans constitute the primary diet of the woodlouse hunter?
Answer
Pill bugs, roly-polies, or sowbugs
The common name of the spider, 'woodlouse hunter,' directly reflects its highly specialized diet. Its primary and preferred prey are terrestrial crustaceans commonly known as woodlice. These prey items are referred to by several vernacular names, including pill bugs, roly-polies, and sowbugs. This specialization is so strong that the spider will rarely focus heavily on other types of insects unless woodlice become scarce in its environment, positioning it as a specific natural control agent for these decomposers.
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