speed demon spider by Richardphotos
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Description
this guy was on my wall of my porch.usually they are in their tunnels but he was there and not budging for any camera. the thumb was from my old Fuji camera short circuit
Trapdoor spiders are close relatives of tarantulas, and their general appearance is similar, but they can be distinguished by their small size, less hairy abdomens, and legs that shine almost as if polished.
Distribution and Habitat
These spiders range from Virginia south to Florida and west to California. Trapdoor spider tubes are usually found in the sides of banks in disturbed areas.
Ecology
Trapdoor spiders prey on large terrestrial arthropods, and even occasionally on small lizards. They themselves are preyed on extensively in some areas by parasitic wasps of the family Pompilidae.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of these spiders is their architecture. They build tube-like tunnels in the sides of banks in disturbed areas, along natural insect walkways. The tunnel is capped with an ingenious trapdoor. Trapdoor spiders are well-adapted for the strenuous activity of tunnel-building. Their chelicerae are equipped with digging rakes (rastella) that are used to loosen earth during the digging process, and then to roll it into a ball which is thrown from the developing burrow with strong, spined hind legs. Once the initial tunnel has been constructed, it is reinforced with a coating of a mixture of earth and saliva. Next a layer of silk is added, this being spun in one piece. The last step, the addition of the door, is the part of the process that differs from species to species. Two types of doors may be constructed. The most well-known is the �cork�-type door, which is very thick and beveled to fit the opening exactly. The other is the �wafer�-type door, which is a simply-constructed sheet of silk and dirt. The species also differ as to whether the tunnels are simple, or branching, with multiple doors. In all cases, however, the doors are equipped with silk hinges for easy opening and closing.
Trapdoor spider capturing a cricket Trapdoor spider
The tunnel is used by the trapdoor spider as shelter from the elements and predators, as a nursery, and as a trapping device. The top of the door is usually camouflaged with bits of debris, such as twigs and rock, making its discovery very difficult. This results in fooling prey as well as predators, thereby making it a very effective shelter and trap. When the spider is using the trap to capture prey, its chelicerae hold the lid shut on the end of the door farthest from the hinge. It awaits the vibrations of passing prey conducted by the silk, quickly throws open the door, grabs the prey and returns with it down the tube. Although the lid stays shut easily on its own, attacks by predators can be discouraged by the spider holding the lid closed with its chelicerae, and, at the same time, bracing its legs against the wall of the tunnel. The only predators that are not dissuaded by this seem to be parasitic wasps, which simply chew right through the door.
The tunnel is also used by the female as a nursery. She lays her eggs in the tube and immediately covers them in a sac which is attached to the tunnel wall. She remains with them until hatching and beyond, allowing them to remain unharmed in the burrow until they are as much as eight months old.
American Zoo and Aquarium Association
http://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_trapdoor_spider.html
thanks for viewing and any comments
Comments (103)
Valerie-Ducom
Oh yes, this spider is so beautiful and all spiders have a method of thje life so interesting. It's for that I like them and look them in the nature. Excellent collection about this one and very nice pov too ! Good day Richard :)
lilbiscuit
That's a scary looking spider. Awesome shot.
claude19
Great collection of spider's shots !!! EXCELLENT view !!! PERFECT !!!
toddaking
Spiders creep me out. Your way to close in this shot, for comfort.....lol Todd
BBarbs
WOW...fabulous shot and most interesting information !! I can see a resemblance to a tarantula. Sort of a stumpy tarantula without the hair. Great closeups !!!
MrsLubner
Excellent macros. Good detail and povs.
ToniDunlap
There isn't a spider that I care for. However, I love being educated about them. Mainly to know which I really ought to try and stay away from. So thank you again Richard for wonderful pictures and a boat load of information. You are the best!
MUSEWORX
Wow! this is great study material, and a very fine collage and capture!
mbz2662
A great spider collage, and information! But what I want to know, is how darn big is a spider that can prey on a lizard?
shadownet
Spiders spiders, creeping crawling everywhere, the get on your clothes, and in your hair, and though you know they will not bit you, Still you never know, they just might you, you never can be too sure about spiders! :O)
brycek
Interesting and scary..awesome work Richard!!
Surama
UUUUUUaaaahhhh.....I don´t want to see them so near......lol....!
thevolunteer
Wow, glad I didn't see any of these here. Although, they are facinating insects. Great catch. Aloha
Liam.
Ugh... this one looks almost like a toy. Great catch
DennisReed
Creepy spider Richard! It's gonna be interesting to see what kind of dreams I have tonight! ;)
PIERRE25
Brrrr! belles captures!!!
STEVIEUKWONDER
Fascinating reading Richard. I have never seen a trap door spider before. You are very astute Sir! Steve :o)
Antonio57
Terrifiant!!!!!Excellent cliché!!!
Hendesse
Excellent and very interesting macros. I've never seen this kind of spiders before!
Bampster
Very informative material and an excellent photo! But spiders still are not my favorite critter.
melevos
excellent closeups!!!
pops
I'm not a big spider fan , but I've always thought the trapdoor spider was pretty cool
Georges_H_Hoens
WOW, thanks for sharing both shots and Infos, I did see some in a life museum here but I did'nt know they belong to USA. Thanks for sharing both. Have a nice day, G.
VDH
Great composition of scary spiders!
carlx
Gorgeous spider, Richard!!! Excellent captures, and thx for info!!!
goldie
well, i guess by now you know that spideys are not among my favorite creatures, but i found your info most interesting...clever little creatures, aren't they? great capture of this little beastie :D thanks for sharing, i guess, LOL...
saretta
Great description and shots,wonderful to see them so perfectly captured,i don't love spiders so much though..they scare me a bit!!:-)
Bossie_Boots
Wow awesome fantastic captures he looks a meanie lol
huismus
Exelent macro and thanks for the explanation.
pennykay
Wow, wonderful capture Richard and very interesting facts. Did I mention I don't like spiders? They give me the willy's! But I do like your image :-)