Bothriocyrtum californicum

(O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1874)

California trapdoor spider, California cork-lid trapdoor spider

Bothriocyrtum californicum is a cork-lid trapdoor spider to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. This mygalomorph spider constructs burrows with a hinged, cork-like door made of soil and silk, which it uses to ambush passing prey. Males are smaller than females, a reversal of typical in spiders. The is notable as the first representative of its and to have its mitochondrial sequenced.

TrapDoorSpiderOnAStick by Davefoc. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.TrapDoorSpiderDorsal by Davefoc. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.TrapDoorSpiderFrontPenny by Davefoc. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bothriocyrtum californicum: /ˌbɒθrioʊˈsɪrtəm ˌkæləˈfɔrnɪkəm/

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Identification

Distinguished from other trapdoor spiders by its cork-lid burrow architecture, where the door fits flush with the ground surface like a cork in a bottle. The door is constructed from soil, vegetation, and silk. is reversed: males are smaller than females, unlike most spiders where males are larger or equal in size. As a mygalomorph, it has fangs that move parallel to each other rather than oppositely.

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Habitat

Shrublands and deserts of Southern California; occupies well-drained soils suitable for burrow construction.

Distribution

United States (California, Arizona); Mexico (northern Baja California Norte).

Host Associations

Behavior

Constructs and maintains a burrow with a hinged trapdoor; remains concealed beneath the door to ambush prey.

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