Trapdoor Spider
ExploreInsects
Trapdoor Spider
Mygalomorphae
The Trapdoor Spider makes a cozy little home by creating a trapdoor out of silk and dirt. They are excellent hunters, waiting patiently for their next meal!
Habitat: Grasslands and forests
Appearance
The Trapdoor Spider is a stout, dark-colored arachnid, typically brown or black, with a robust abdomen and strong, hairy legs. Its body often appears velvety or slightly shiny, making it distinct from many slender web-building spiders.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassArachnidaOrderAraneaeFamilyIdiopidaeGenusNeocteniza
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Each trapdoor spider builds its own perfect, camouflaged home from scratch!
Some female trapdoor spiders can live for over 20 years!
Their secret trapdoors have a clever silk hinge, just like a real door!
They feel tiny ground vibrations to know exactly when dinner is passing by.
Special abilities
Ability
Master Builder
Trapdoor Spider can build an amazing camouflaged door because it has powerful fangs and sticky silk, helping them hide their burrow entrance.
Ability
Stealthy Hunter
Trapdoor Spider has super-sensitive hairs on its legs that help them feel tiny vibrations, allowing for lightning-fast ambush attacks on prey.
Ability
Silk Weaver
Trapdoor Spider can produce strong silk that helps them line their burrows, hinge their trapdoors, and even secure their eggs safely.
Ability
Long Lived
Trapdoor Spider can live for many years, especially females, because their hidden, secure burrows protect them from predators and harsh weather.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 10-30 mm
- Lifespan
- 1825-7300 days
- Leg Count
- 8
Diet & Feeding
Trapdoor spiders are stealthy hunters that eat insects and other small creatures passing by their hidden doors.
Primary Foods
- Beetles
- Crickets
- Moths
- Ants
- Other small invertebrates
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Tarantula Hawk Wasp
Pepsis formosa
A powerful wasp that preys on spiders.
hunts
Field Cricket
Gryllus assimilis
Ambushes crickets from its hidden burrow.
eaten by
Greater Roadrunner
Geococcyx californianus
A quick bird that can unearth spiders.
hunts
Northern Black Ant
Formica fusca
Catches various ants that walk over its trapdoor.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Ambush Predator
An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Mygalomorph Spider
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Trapdoor Spider?
10-30 mm
How long does Trapdoor Spider live?
1825-7300 days
What does Trapdoor Spider eat?
Trapdoor spiders are stealthy hunters that eat insects and other small creatures passing by their hidden doors.
Where is Trapdoor Spider usually found?
Grasslands and forests
How does Trapdoor Spider hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Trapdoor Spider have?
8
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
