Trapdoor spiders know how to spring a surprise. These arachnids live in underground burrows that double as clever ambush hideouts. Their burrows are closed off by a hinged lid that the spiders can pop open from the inside when prey comes along. These creatures even dig secret passageways and chambers in their burrows so they can hide or escape if an enemy finds and invades their burrow.
Down Under: In addition to biting prey, these spiders use their fangs for digging. A trapdoor spider's burrow can be up to one foot deep. The spiders waterproof the walls by coating them with saliva and a layer of silk.
Trapdoor: What gives these spiders their name are the lids they make for their burrows. They're made from a sheet of the spider's silk, with dirt pebbles from the surrounding area thrown on top to camouflage them so potential victims don't realize that a predator is underneath.
Home Security[]
A little lizard stands no chance when this spider springs its trap.
A trapdoor spider's burrow is more than just a clever trap for prey; it's also the creature's fortress. Most predators, such as centipedes and wasps, can't get through the trapdoor, but the spider takes security seriously. If an enemy tries to get in, the resident spider holds the door closed with its jaws. Plus, the spider digs a secret chamber in which it can hide in case of a break-in, and it is secured by another trap door. Some even dig an escape tunnel, topped by yet another trap door, through which they can flee to the surface.
Ring the Doorbell: The outside of a trapdoor spider's burrow is line with tripwires that are made from silk or even twigs. When an insect or small reptile walks over the tripwires, the spider rushes out to make the kill.
Lightning Speed: These spiders strike at prey with amazing speed. An attack only takes 0.03 seconds. The spider's venom quickly paralyzed victims, which are then dragged into the burrow to be eaten.
Deathtrap[]
- Ready for action, a trapdoor spider holds the door to its burrow slight open so the spider can poke its legs out and place them on the tripwires around its den.
- When a juicy insect wanders by and steps on one of the tripwires, the waiting spider feels the vibration made by the unlucky victim's footsteps.
- In a flash, the spider flips the trapdoor all the way open and rushes at the insect. Before the insect knows what's hit it, the spider sinks its venomous fangs into its body.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The knowledge card is titled Trapdoor Spiders, the trading card is titled Trapdoor Spider.
- The species featured in the illustrations on the card is likely a California Trapdoor Spider (Bothriocyrtum californicum).
- Trapdoor spiders are mentioned on the Mouse Spider knowledge card due to the latter spider's similar living habits of using covered burrows.
- While trapdoor spiders can be found on most continents like the “Where” section implies, the listed Ctenzidae are only found in Europe and Turkey. Other families, such as Idiopidae, are the ones found in other regions such as Australia.