Hexura
Simon, 1884
Hexura is a of folding trapdoor first described by Eugène Louis Simon in 1884. The genus contains two : H. picea and H. rothi, both found in the United States. These spiders construct burrows with hinged, folding trapdoors. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with placement in Antrodiaetidae confirmed by 2019.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hexura: //hɛkˈsuːrə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other mygalomorph by the folding trapdoor burrow architecture. The two within the require detailed examination of morphological characters for separation; H. picea and H. rothi show subtle differences in size and coloration. Distinguished from Antrodiaetus by burrow structure and certain morphological traits.
Images
Distribution
United States. The has been recorded in western North America, with H. picea and H. rothi occupying distinct but potentially overlapping ranges.
Behavior
Constructs burrows with a hinged, folding trapdoor made of and soil particles. The door is attached by a flexible hinge that allows it to fold back rather than simply lifting vertically. The waits beneath the closed door for vibrations, then rapidly opens the door to capture passing .
Ecological Role
of ground-dwelling . Burrowing activity contributes to soil aeration and structure.
Similar Taxa
- AntrodiaetusAlso constructs trapdoor burrows, but uses a vertical-lifting door mechanism rather than the folding door of Hexura.
- MecicobothriumFormerly grouped with Hexura in Mecicobothriidae; differs in burrow structure and geographic distribution.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described in 1884, Hexura was placed in Mecicobothriidae before molecular and morphological studies supported its placement in Antrodiaetidae in 2019. Some sources may still list Mecicobothriidae due to lag in database updates.
Conservation status
Neither has been formally assessed for status. The specific requirements and limited distributions may make vulnerable to habitat disturbance.