Story: Spiders and other arachnids

Trapdoor spider

Trapdoor spider

Trapdoor spiders (Canturia species) ambush unsuspecting prey as they walk close to the trapdoor opening. When the spider senses the patter of tiny feet, it rushes out from beneath the trapdoor and pulls the victim into its burrow.

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Photograph by Simon Pollard

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How to cite this page:

Simon Pollard, 'Spiders and other arachnids - Mygalomorphs – tarantula relatives', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12713/trapdoor-spider (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Simon Pollard, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 14 Mar 2024