Home / Euctenizidae / Barrack Obama Trapdoor (Aptostichus barackobamai)

Barrack Obama Trapdoor (Aptostichus barackobamai)

The Barack Obama trapdoor spider has a special name inspired by the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. It’s one of 33 fresh species in the Aptostichus genus. This post is filled with exciting facts about this unique spider.

Scientific Classification

Obama Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Like most other species of its genus, this spider measures 0.11 – 0.29 inches (0.3 – 0.75 cm) on average.
  • Color: They have a brown body.
  • Other Characteristic Features: Though their physical features have not been distinctly identifiable, they have an oval-shaped abdomen and hairy appearance.

Eggs

Female spiders lay eggs inside their burrows and guard them intently.

Spiderlings

After certain days of hatching, spiderlings also make their burrows and live there.

The Web

Like most trapdoor spiders, this species also does not make webs but dig burrows beneath the soil with a silken trapdoor capping, where they hide to capture their prey.

Are Barrack Obama Trapdoor Spiders Venomous?

Yes, like most trapdoor spiders, the Barack Obama trapdoor spider has venom. However, it’s mainly used to subdue their prey.

Can Barrack Obama Trapdoor Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite if threatened or handled, but their venom is not considered dangerous to humans. Always handle spiders with care!

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Barack Obama Trapdoor Spider 

The Barack Obama trapdoor spider plays a crucial ecological role as an insect predator. Its presence helps control pest populations, contributing to the health of its natural underground habitats.

Natural Predator: The main predators of this spider include birds, reptiles, and larger mammals that may discover their concealed burrows.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: This spider is a critical component of its ecosystem’s food web. It helps regulate insect populations by preying on them, while also serving as a food source for its natural predators.

Relationship with Humans: Interactions with the Barack Obama trapdoor spider are rare, given its reclusive underground lifestyle. While they possess venom and can bite, such instances are uncommon and not harmful to humans. As with all wildlife, it is advised to handle spiders with caution and respect their space.

Quick Facts

Other Names Obama spider
DistributionCounties like Tehama, Shasta, Napa, Shutter, and Mendocino of California
HabitatUndergrounds
DietInsects
LifespanNot recorded

Did You Know

  • This species was discovered in 2012, by an Auburn University professor of entomology, Jason Bond.

In summary, the Barack Obama trapdoor spider is an environmentally beneficial species, aiding in the regulation of insect populations within its Californian soil home.

Image Credits: Sciencemag.org

The Barack Obama trapdoor spider has a special name inspired by the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. It’s one of 33 fresh species in the Aptostichus genus. This post is filled with exciting facts about this unique spider.

Obama Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Like most other species of its genus, this spider measures 0.11 – 0.29 inches (0.3 – 0.75 cm) on average.
  • Color: They have a brown body.
  • Other Characteristic Features: Though their physical features have not been distinctly identifiable, they have an oval-shaped abdomen and hairy appearance.

Eggs

Female spiders lay eggs inside their burrows and guard them intently.

Spiderlings

After certain days of hatching, spiderlings also make their burrows and live there.

The Web

Like most trapdoor spiders, this species also does not make webs but dig burrows beneath the soil with a silken trapdoor capping, where they hide to capture their prey.

Are Barrack Obama Trapdoor Spiders Venomous?

Yes, like most trapdoor spiders, the Barack Obama trapdoor spider has venom. However, it’s mainly used to subdue their prey.

Can Barrack Obama Trapdoor Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite if threatened or handled, but their venom is not considered dangerous to humans. Always handle spiders with care!

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Barack Obama Trapdoor Spider 

The Barack Obama trapdoor spider plays a crucial ecological role as an insect predator. Its presence helps control pest populations, contributing to the health of its natural underground habitats.

Natural Predator: The main predators of this spider include birds, reptiles, and larger mammals that may discover their concealed burrows.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: This spider is a critical component of its ecosystem’s food web. It helps regulate insect populations by preying on them, while also serving as a food source for its natural predators.

Relationship with Humans: Interactions with the Barack Obama trapdoor spider are rare, given its reclusive underground lifestyle. While they possess venom and can bite, such instances are uncommon and not harmful to humans. As with all wildlife, it is advised to handle spiders with caution and respect their space.

Quick Facts

Other Names Obama spider
DistributionCounties like Tehama, Shasta, Napa, Shutter, and Mendocino of California
HabitatUndergrounds
DietInsects
LifespanNot recorded

Did You Know

  • This species was discovered in 2012, by an Auburn University professor of entomology, Jason Bond.

In summary, the Barack Obama trapdoor spider is an environmentally beneficial species, aiding in the regulation of insect populations within its Californian soil home.

Image Credits: Sciencemag.org