Trapdoor Spiders

The Trapdoor Spiders are most often confused with Mouse Spider for the similarities in looks. These are medium-sized spiders with short but blunt spinnerets. The females in this species are larger in comparison to the males. The spiders are hairy and grow up to 2.5-4cm in size. These spiders have 8 eyes with a pair in the center and other 3 pairs on each side. The color range of these spiders varies from yellowish brown to reddish brown to black.

The Trapdoor Spiders have 2 fangs and can run fast. This species of spiders prefer to dwell underground and don’t weave a web. It builds a trapdoor on the top of its burrow to prevent predators from entering it. The build burrows of 30 cm depth and 5cm wide. These spiders feed on insects, frogs, baby birds, snakes, fish, and mice. The females never travel away from their burrows. The Trapdoor Spiders are non-toxic and these are non-aggressive but may bite if harassed.