Bothriocrytum of the trapdoor spider family is a small genus which just three species as per the April 2019 records. They were a part of the Balkan trapdoor spider (Cyrtocarenum) genus until 1891 after which they were separated because of a difference in physical features particularly the arrangement of eyes.
Size: Female spiders can be as long as 2 inches (5.08 cm), though males are comparitively smaller.
Color: Most of them have a blackish-brown body.
Other Characteristic Features: They are generally hairy. The California trapdoor spider (Bothriocyrtum califronicum) has a shiny body closely resembling a tarantula, though it seems a smaller version of the latter.
The small round eggs are laid by the females near the base of their burrows.
Spiderlings leave the burrow soon after their hatching to be on their own.
They do not make webs, instead secure their burrow with silk threads.
The spiders of the genus do bite, which, however is not harmful to humans.
| Distribution | Southern United States, Taiwan, and Mexico |
| Habitat | Burrows |
| Diet | Insects |
| Lifespan | 5-20 years |
Image credits: bajanature.com
Bothriocrytum of the trapdoor spider family is a small genus which just three species as per the April 2019 records. They were a part of the Balkan trapdoor spider (Cyrtocarenum) genus until 1891 after which they were separated because of a difference in physical features particularly the arrangement of eyes.
Size: Female spiders can be as long as 2 inches (5.08 cm), though males are comparitively smaller.
Color: Most of them have a blackish-brown body.
Other Characteristic Features: They are generally hairy. The California trapdoor spider (Bothriocyrtum califronicum) has a shiny body closely resembling a tarantula, though it seems a smaller version of the latter.
The small round eggs are laid by the females near the base of their burrows.
Spiderlings leave the burrow soon after their hatching to be on their own.
They do not make webs, instead secure their burrow with silk threads.
The spiders of the genus do bite, which, however is not harmful to humans.
| Distribution | Southern United States, Taiwan, and Mexico |
| Habitat | Burrows |
| Diet | Insects |
| Lifespan | 5-20 years |
Image credits: bajanature.com
