Trapdoor Spider Facts

Trapdoor spiders are a group of spiders that are part of the Ctenizidae family. The spiders are especially common throughout the southwestern region of the United States and in Florida up to Virginia all the way to the West Coast, specifically California. The burrowing trapdoor spiders are known for creating tunnels and then closing them off via hinged covers.

  1. Appearance

    • The look of the trapdoor spider is similar to that of the tarantula. However, trapdoor spiders are not as hairy and are considerably smaller in size. Trapdoor spiders are also notable for the glossy look of their legs, which are relatively short and stick-like. For the most part, trapdoor spiders reach about an inch in length. However, some grow as long as 1.6 inches. The spiders have eight eyes, with three on both sides and two in the center. The round body is generally a dullish-brown color, although black, reddish brown and brownish yellow all also exist.

    Habitat

    • Trapdoor spiders are especially common in places that have warm climates. Apart from the southwestern part of the United States, the spiders also reside in South America, particularly Argentina; Africa; Australia and areas of Asia, such as Japan.

    Tunnels

    • Trapdoor spiders are notable for their establishment of tunnels, which are shaped like tubes and surrounded by silk that the spiders make themselves. The burrows are topped off by hinged trapdoors that are created both out of silk and dirt. The trapdoors are usually about an inch long or a little bit longer. The lids are typically covered up by debris, such as small stones and branches. When a trapdoor spider senses an insect walking by, it rapidly shoots up and then consumes it.

    Food

    • Trapdoor spiders have varied diets and consume a wide variety of insects. Apart from insects, the elusive spiders also eat small fish, mice, snakes, birds and frogs.

    Enemies

    • One prominent enemy of the trapdoor spider is the wasp. When wasps encounter trapdoor spider tunnels, they rapidly enter to sting the spiders. The main defense trapdoor spiders have is to keep the trapdoors shut with the use of their fangs. However, in most cases, the wasps overpower them. Other notable enemies of the spiders include scorpions, bandicoots, birds, flies and centipedes.

    Lifespan

    • For a trapdoor spider to gain full maturity, the process requires a few years. The average lifespan for this species of spider is usually between five and 20 years.

    Mating

    • In times of humid weather, male trapdoor spiders go off to find females for mating purposes. The process occurs inside of the tunnels of female trapdoor spiders. During their lifetimes, the males typically mate with numerous females.