![]() ![]() When under attack, the trapdoor spider uses its chelicerae to hold the lid closed, and at the same time braces its legs against the wall of the tunnel with a force 38 times its own weight! This resourceful predator is truly a force to be reckoned with in its own right. These spider dens also provide good protection from outside predators. When they sense vibrations through silk tripwires, they quickly spring out of their burrow, grab their prey (whether an insect or other arthropod), and pull it back down the tube. Trapdoor spiders are ambush predators that hide behind their hinged doors. The tunnel serves as a shelter, a nursery, and a trapping device for prey. The tunnel is lined with silk and saliva, and capped with a perfectly fitted trapdoor, complete with a hinge. They use mouth parts (chelicerae) equipped with digging rakes (rastella) to build tube-like tunnels in the sides of banks in disturbed areas. The most fascinating aspect of these spiders is the architecture they construct. They are similar in appearance and closely related to tarantulas (see On the prowl), but are smaller in size, with shiny legs and less hairy abdomens. by Curtin University Credit: CC0 Public Domain A new Curtin University study has found trapdoor spiders do not survive intense bushfires but have high survival rates in low-intensity fires, in a. ![]() The California trapdoor spider is found along the Pacific coast. ApTrapdoor spider species that stay local put themselves at risk by Jeremy Dean Wilson, The Conversation A palisade trapdoor spider of the new species E. It turns out there are 9 genera and 120 species of trapdoor spiders inhabiting many places around the world. Now knowing what to look for, we discovered several of the well-camouflaged burrows in the same vicinity. We discovered the den to be occupied by a California trapdoor spider ( Bothriocyrtum californicum). Having never seen one of these before, our curiosity got the best of us, leading us to excavate the well-built den to reveal the inhabitant. Upon closer inspection, we discovered it was a carefully crafted door to a burrow of some sort. No wonder they live so long.Recently, while out conducting snorkel surveys for trout (see Summer surveys) we stopped for a break between dives and noticed and an unusual D-shaped patch of earth positioned on the hillside next to the river. The spider isn't exposed to any predators for more than a second or two. The spider waits till the cricket is just past the trap door and in one quick movement he opens the door, captures the cricket, and retreats back in the den with the trapdoor falling back in place. If you watch the video you can see how efficient a trapdoor spider is at capturing prey. Trapdoor spiders have been known to live for up to twenty years. And remember these spiders are helping to control cricket, grasshopper, and other insect populations around your home. I know many of you don't like spiders but if you can get past your squeamishness just for a minute and watch this video you will be amazed at how the spider catches it's prey. Normally these spiders stay in their den but when heavy rains cause flooding they sometimes must venture out. At first I thought the two inch spider looked like a tarantula but after spending an hour or so searching and researching I found out this is a Trapdoor Spider. ![]() Yesterday I had the rare opportunity to see a Southern Trapdoor Spider, Ummidia sp. Almost every day I feel lucky to discover and learn something new in nature. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |