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)
lizzibell
very nice capture...
awadissk
well done shots
Jadotha
I love spiders, and this one is beautiful. Your camera work is perfect, really bringing out the colours and glossy shimmering of his body! He almost looks like a perfectly sculpted glazed ceramic!
sharky_
Huge looking spider. Excellent.. Aloha
1010
Oh thanks a lot Richard, now I will feel creepy all day. lol Excellent shots of that critter!
Mousson
Great shots and information, but HORRIBLE beast! I have nightmares for a week :-))
jif3d
Never realised you had these nasty little spiders in the US, they are all over the East Coast of Australia as well ! Clever, but creepy and some brave captures ! ~Cheers~ :o)
stolta
Excellent shot, very beautiful.
TheAnimaGemini
OMG...ugly ..LOL Gorgeous macro...creepy, scary.
Kuiski
Yuck!!!!!!!!!! A nice capture Richard! :-O
JeffG7BRJ
I have never seen a spider as shiny as this one Richard, it looks like it has been painted with enamel paint. Great shots and exceptional dialogue. Thanks for sharing. Bravo!!!!!
elmurray
I think I would have run a mile if I'd seen this fella! Very bravely captured!
OrphanedSoul
Great information and image!
kansas
Amazing spider photo. I prefer staying further away from them.
bebert
nice shot !!
hipps13
Hi Richard time to get out the vacuum cleaner do not like spiders at all nice capture though creepy but fun to read thank you sweet man many smiles to come sweet day, warm hug, Linda
mansco
I don't like spiders at all, they make me feel nervous, but this is a splendid work Richard, he he ;O)
2Loose2Trek
I can see the resemblance to the tarantulas I often see in my area ... less hairy of course. Tarantulas are basically harmless to humans and I let them go about their business. I'm assuming that these lil' guys are much the same. Excellent shots.
rawdodb
Gorgeous Pictures...
evielouise
I always thought when I would see a male kill a spider for me and save me from that detail he was brave now richard your a brave man! spiders although scary, is one of many of gods creatures and they all have meaning on earth: but I agree with the above great capture but I will add U G H __lol
Janiss
Ohohohoh, I'm afraiddddddddd, grrrrrrrr! But I take this marvelous collage: 1) it is fantastic! 2) I adore to be afraid, and yes, .... by night, when I would not to sleep, I would to see this... incredible, no?
Electralena
Excellent captures , Richard. Looks fatastic!!!
angelbearzs
that is very nice !!!!:)
trishabadblood
I would have jumped out of my skin if that little guy was on my porch ... the ran to get my camera.... wonderful capture...excellent work...
jeffus
eeeeeek.. I would not be able too get in to my house if I found one near my front door. I do not know what I would do if I meet the wasp that was big enough too preyed on them. You have some great shots.. and great info thank for taking the time, in writing it down.
aquablue
Excellent informations and shot from this spider !!! It's the first time I hear about this, but this one looks effective terrific with his glossy body.
amota99517
A little creepy but a great shot.
Zorg1955
Thanks for the words ! Excellent !
OldHippieKeyboard
This sucker's not camera-shy at all ... eh, Richard? Fascinating info and nice collage. Well done!
ontar1
Cool spider and info, great shot