Idiopidae

Common Name

Spiny Trapdoor Spiders

Overview

The family Idiopidae consists of medium to large-sized spiders commonly referred to as spiny trapdoor spiders. They are known for constructing underground burrows with a hinged door made of soil, vegetation, and silk.

Taxonomy

Key Characteristics

  • Body Size : Medium to large (10-30 mm)
  • Color : Varies from brown to black
  • Legs : Robust legs adapted for digging
  • Fangs : Strong and downward-acting
  • Spinnerets : Prominent and well-developed

Life Cycle

  • Egg Stage : Eggs are laid in silken sacs within the burrow.
  • Spiderlings : Young spiders remain in the burrow until their first molting.
  • Juveniles : After dispersing, juveniles establish their burrows and grow through successive molts.
  • Adults : Mature spiders continue to live in their burrows, where they wait for prey.

Behavior and Ecology

  • Habitat : Primarily found in dry, open forests, grasslands, and shrublands.
  • Burrowing : Create cylindrical burrows with a lid, which they use for hunting and shelter.
  • Diet : Insects and other small invertebrates.
  • Predation : Predators include birds, amphibians, and mammals.

Notable Species

  • Idiops pylorus : Found in Brazil, notable for its large size and distinctive burrow.
  • Gaius villosus : Native to Australia, notable for its hairy legs.

Conservation

  • Threats : Habitat loss and heavy land use pose risks to their populations.
  • Protection : Some species are under protection due to their limited distributions.

Significance to Humans

  • Ecological Role : They help control insect populations.
  • Scientific Interest : Their unique burrowing behavior and trapdoor mechanism are of interest to researchers.

Fun Facts

  • Trapdoors : Their trapdoors are so well camouflaged they are nearly invisible.
  • Survival : Some species can live for over 20 years.
  • Sensation : They can sense vibrations through the ground to detect prey.
  • Fossorial : They are primarily fossorial, meaning they live mostly underground.
  • Silk Usage : Use their silk not just for webs, but to line their burrows and make doors.