Characteristics: California Trapdoor Spiders are native to Southern California. In many ways, they resemble smaller versions of tarantulas with shiney bodies. Their chelicerae have spines on them helping this species to dig their burrows. Their burrows serve as both home and trap for the burrow opening is covered with a silk door that is hinged. From this door, the spider waits and senses oncoming prey and unsuspectingly lunges out of its burrow for the catch. The prey is doubly restrained by both the spider and the silkened walls of the burrow. Burrows are usually built into hillsides facing direct sunlight and near vegetation. As is the case with most spiders, the female California Trapdoor spider is larger than the male.
General Adult Size (Length): 20mm to 32mm
(0.79in to 1.26in)
Identifying Colors:black; brown; yellow
North American reach includes (may not be limited to): California
Category:Spider Common Name: California Trapdoor Spider Scientific Name: (Bothriocyrtumcalifornicum)
Kingdom: Animalia
