Meet the Bothriocrytum spider from the trapdoor family! As of April 2019, there are only three kinds of them. They used to be grouped with the Balkan trapdoor spiders, but a unique eye arrangement made them stand out. Explore the world of Bothriocrytum with us!
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.
Yes, Bothriocyrtum spiders have venom. They use it mainly to snag the little critters they want to eat. For humans, it’s typically not a big worry.
They sure can! But Bothriocyrtum spiders are usually quite reserved. If they feel cornered, they might bite, but most of the time, they’d rather stay hidden and mind their business.
Bothriocyrtum spiders play a pivotal role in controlling the population of insects, serving as a natural form of pest control. Their behavior is characterized by their secretive lifestyle, spending most of their time within their burrows and emerging mainly to feed.
Natural Predator: Main predators include birds, larger mammals, and other spiders. The Bothriocyrtum’s burrowing lifestyle is a natural defense mechanism against these threats.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: As predators, they contribute to the biodiversity of their habitats by controlling insect populations. This dynamic balance ensures the health and sustainability of the ecosystem they inhabit.
Relationship with Humans: Humans rarely encounter Bothriocyrtum spiders due to their solitary and hidden lifestyle. When they do, it’s often because of accidental disturbances to their burrows. Their presence is beneficial as they help to manage insect populations naturally.
| Distribution | Southern United States, Taiwan, and Mexico |
| Habitat | Burrows |
| Diet | Insects |
| Lifespan | 5-20 years |
In conclusion, the Bothriocyrtum spider, a master of camouflage and an expert burrower, is an integral part of the ecosystem.
Image credits: bajanature.com
Meet the Bothriocrytum spider from the trapdoor family! As of April 2019, there are only three kinds of them. They used to be grouped with the Balkan trapdoor spiders, but a unique eye arrangement made them stand out. Explore the world of Bothriocrytum with us!
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.
Yes, Bothriocyrtum spiders have venom. They use it mainly to snag the little critters they want to eat. For humans, it’s typically not a big worry.
They sure can! But Bothriocyrtum spiders are usually quite reserved. If they feel cornered, they might bite, but most of the time, they’d rather stay hidden and mind their business.
Bothriocyrtum spiders play a pivotal role in controlling the population of insects, serving as a natural form of pest control. Their behavior is characterized by their secretive lifestyle, spending most of their time within their burrows and emerging mainly to feed.
Natural Predator: Main predators include birds, larger mammals, and other spiders. The Bothriocyrtum’s burrowing lifestyle is a natural defense mechanism against these threats.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: As predators, they contribute to the biodiversity of their habitats by controlling insect populations. This dynamic balance ensures the health and sustainability of the ecosystem they inhabit.
Relationship with Humans: Humans rarely encounter Bothriocyrtum spiders due to their solitary and hidden lifestyle. When they do, it’s often because of accidental disturbances to their burrows. Their presence is beneficial as they help to manage insect populations naturally.
| Distribution | Southern United States, Taiwan, and Mexico |
| Habitat | Burrows |
| Diet | Insects |
| Lifespan | 5-20 years |
In conclusion, the Bothriocyrtum spider, a master of camouflage and an expert burrower, is an integral part of the ecosystem.
Image credits: bajanature.com
Dr. James Watuwa on September 11, 2019.
Spider Team
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