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)
Maori
This spider looks very healthy :-) . Great captures!
magnus073
Superb pics and write up on the spiders, I've only seen them on tv but never a closeup photo before now.
Ionel
It looks very scary! Well done, Richard!!!
sessan53
Very great shot..... But I dont like spiders... lol lol....:-)hugs sessan
jocko500
lot of imformation on this spider. cool shots
Erynn
brrrrrrrrr.. I hate spiders.. But really amazing shots :)
iceberg5
I don't really like spiders but these guys are kind of cute !!! Anyway ,these are superb photos , Richard !
gs1953
Ottima macro!
MagikUnicorn
COOL SPIDER
drifterlee
Arghhhhhhh! (Screams and runs away). I hate spiders, but cool shot!
Syltermermaid
My God, now you really want to scare us off!!!!LOL Marvelous captured, but on this pictures is the only way I like to see them!!!LOL Hugs Ute
wildgoha
ah what a view before sleep lol ! beauty and great shots my dear ! just a super time to post shots like this is comming...boo
Star4mation
Glad we don't have these in the UK!!!! Excellent photos Richard :)
MarciaGomes
INCRIVEIS FOTOS,NÃO SEI O QUE FALAR SOBRE ESTAS ARANHAS TENHO PAVOR.MAS EXCELENTES FOTOS.+++++++5
amlondono
Great Shots ! . Fantastic information , Thanks . Have a great week :> Ana
Fidelity2
Very well done.
alphalioness
Excellent shots! Thanks for the info...never saw one outside of its home.
npauling
You got very close to this crawly critter Richard and I guess it is good to see one so close but......... Great shots and thankyou for the info. We have some very like this and their bite isn't venemous thank goodness. This one really looks to have a powerful front end.
bpclarke
These are pretty interesting little spiders. Excellent shots. Bunny
RobyHermida
Excellent macros..............
artaddict2
The detail is good, a bit too good, it is making me feel a little creepy. that shiney back uhhhhhhh! Great photos. looking forward to your next upload, hope its a bit more relaxing to look at.
flaviok
Richard meu amigo, fantastica materia e foto, aplausos (5)
frankie96
Don't care for this type of critter..but interesting collage and narrative..
soffy
Thanks for sharing Richard,both the interesting info and your excellent shots****
erlandpil
Great composition of scary spiders Agree here erland
doarte
Incredible
durleybeachbum
Great shots! Thankyou for putting all the info up, it's fascinating to know all about the creatures that we portray.
Stringy
Fascinating to read how it traps its prey. Excellent shot!
aljaysart
Dont like the look on him, great capture excellent.
tallpindo
Work, work, work, while trying to keep the carbon paper shiney side up to see if it can be used again. What I like is the rhythmn of this which is silky as strings. The arpeggio and contralto passages ween from drums.