About the Trapdoor Spiders

Trapdoor spider is a common name given to several families of spiders that belong to the Idiopidae, Actinopodidae, Ctenizidae, Migidae and Cyrtaucheniidae groups.

Most of these spiders build burrows in the ground and a silken-hinged door at their entrance. Then, they open the door to grab the passing insect quickly. While most trapdoor species can make a special door at their burrow’s entrance, some don’t, but they are still called trapdoor spiders.

This is because the doors they create are highly camouflaged and cannot be detected until they open.

What Does It Look Like?

Their short, blunt spinnerets and small double spur halfway along their first leg help them easily move through the soil. Brown Trapdoor spiders are typically a dull brown colour with paler gold hairs on their carapace, as well as pale bars across their abdomen and eyes arranged in two compact rows.

Sigillate Trapdoor Spiders have a strongly arched glossy carapace along with 4 to 6 hairless spots on the abdomen and eyes arranged in three rows. These small creatures are fascinating to observe or learn about, making them a popular subject for study.

Where Do You Find It?

Misgolas group spiders are spread across eastern Australia. They can be found in coastal and highland regions of New South Wales and Victoria. As far as the brown trapdoor spiders are concerned, they are often found near Sydney.

Feeding and Diet

Trapdoor spiders have an interesting hunting strategy – they wait inside the burrows they construct, leaping out to grab any unsuspecting insect that passes nearby. Once their prey is within reach, they latch on firmly with their fangs and drag it back into the safety of their burrow.

While many kinds of insects are targeted by these efficient predators, the most commonly caught prey items are crickets, moths, beetles, and grasshoppers. It’s remarkable that such a small spider has perfected its hunting strategy until it can catch such large food items.

Breeding Behaviours

Mature male spiders wander in search of a mate during humid weather. Once they find a mate, they enter the female burrow for mating. Female trapdoors can lay eggs several months after mating, protecting them within their burrows. Once hatched, the juveniles stay for several months before dispersing on the ground to create their tiny burrows. As the spider grows, they widen its burrow.

Danger to Humans

Many times, brown trapdoor spiders are mistaken for funnel-web spiders. However, the bite of a trapdoor spider isn’t as dangerous as a funnel-web spider. If a trapdoor or sigillate bites you, you may only experience local pain and swelling.

Trust Tom's Pest Control

Tom’s Pest Control has a team of experienced and trained pest control professionals who can take care of all your spider control requirements. In addition, we offer affordable solutions, so removing spiders from your home or office won’t be an expensive affair.

When you call us to inspect your property, we check all the possible hiding spots of pests: roof void, sub-floor area, fence lines, window frames, eaves and gutters, garden area, etc. We scrutinise all areas to study the level of infestation and provide appropriate treatment.

We encourage you to discuss your requirements with us so that we can offer the best solution possible. Then, no matter how severe the pest problem in your property is, you can trust us to manage it well.

Contact Us Today

If you see too many spiders in the nook and crannies of your home, it is time to call pest control experts. Connect with us today to discuss your pest problems.

FAQs

How Long Do Trapdoor Spiders Live?

Trapdoors can live for 5 to 20 years, taking several years to reach maturity. Female trapdoors stay in or near their burrows, while males leave their burrows searching for a mate after maturity.

How Do Brown Trapdoor Spiders Look Like?

Brown trapdoor spiders are dull brown and have a dusty appearance. Their carapace is covered with paler gold hairs and pale bars across their abdomen. Male trapdoors have thick boxing glove palps, and both sexes have eyes arranged in two compact rows.

How Dangerous Are Trapdoor Spiders for Humans?

The bite of a trapdoor spider isn’t venomous like some other spider species. However, you may experience pain and swelling for some time. In case the symptoms persist, you must seek medical help.