The Cyclocosmia loricata is a member of the family of Halonoproctidae spiders. They are a type of trapdoor spider who use their abdomens to plug the entrance to their burrows.
Size: 2.8 cm (1.1 in)
Color: These spiders are black, with their legs showing shades of brown as well.
Other Characteristic Features: Like all other Cyclocosmia spiders, they have a flat abdomen which appears similar to that of a coin.
The eggs are rarely seen as they are laid inside a burrow, which the female protects with her abdomen.
They stay inside the tunnels until they are mature enough to leave, remaining under their mother’s protection until then.
These spiders do not have sufficiently strong webbing, instead burying themselves underground. They then either cover these holes with a trapdoor or use their abdominal shield to clog the entrance temporarily to prevent predators from attacking.
Though their bites can be painful, the spiders themselves are very timid and avoid venturing out of their homes, if at all. If bitten, the pain subsides quickly, and there are no lasting effects from the venom.
| Lifespan | 5-10 years |
| Distribution | Mexico |
| Habitat | Tropical and sub-tropical regions |
| Common Predators | Wasps |
| Diet | Ants, beetles, cockroaches, and moths |
Source: inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com
The Cyclocosmia loricata is a member of the family of Halonoproctidae spiders. They are a type of trapdoor spider who use their abdomens to plug the entrance to their burrows.
Size: 2.8 cm (1.1 in)
Color: These spiders are black, with their legs showing shades of brown as well.
Other Characteristic Features: Like all other Cyclocosmia spiders, they have a flat abdomen which appears similar to that of a coin.
The eggs are rarely seen as they are laid inside a burrow, which the female protects with her abdomen.
They stay inside the tunnels until they are mature enough to leave, remaining under their mother’s protection until then.
These spiders do not have sufficiently strong webbing, instead burying themselves underground. They then either cover these holes with a trapdoor or use their abdominal shield to clog the entrance temporarily to prevent predators from attacking.
Though their bites can be painful, the spiders themselves are very timid and avoid venturing out of their homes, if at all. If bitten, the pain subsides quickly, and there are no lasting effects from the venom.
| Lifespan | 5-10 years |
| Distribution | Mexico |
| Habitat | Tropical and sub-tropical regions |
| Common Predators | Wasps |
| Diet | Ants, beetles, cockroaches, and moths |
Source: inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com
Roy Williams on May 17, 2022.
Dr. Watuwa James
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