Florida trapdoor spider

Trapdoor spiders are close relatives of tarantulas but are smaller and less hairy.   These spiders are strong diggers and build tube-like tunnels in the sides of banks in disturbed areas, along natural insect walkways. The tunnel is capped with a silken lid that is camouflaged with bits of debris, such as twigs and pebbles. When the spider detects the vibrations of a passing insect, it quickly flips up the door, bites, and drags the prey back down the tube where it is eaten.  Little is known about these shy, secretive spiders because they are rarely seen.  (Photo by David Richman NMSU)

 

 

Trapdoor spider  Cyclocosmia torreya (Hentz) (Family: Ctenzidae)

Habitat: Disturbed areas where the soil is exposed

Florida range: The panhandle region

Food: These spiders have been reported to eat a variety of insects as well as small lizards

Occurrence: Uncommon, most likely due to their ability to avoid scrutiny

Link for more information: http://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_trapdoor_spider.html

 

 

 

Temperate Hardwood Forest

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