at my LPS they have something simply labeled as "red trapdoor spider"

[skilletsteve]

and every time i've been in it's been in its burrow. anyone have any idea of the scientific name of this guy?
also if i choose to buy can i pre-dig a burrow in a container against the side for it to use so i can actually see my pet? or are trap door spiders not into using premade burrows?

 

[Finntroll86]

As far as i know they only like to create their own dens. And they are definitely pet holes you will never see them out of their hole unless they are making a new one, and even feeding them if you blink you'll miss it they are FAST. Knowing they dig deep, up to 16", I do think that if you got a narrow but deep container(ie 12hx4wx4d) and cover the sides w/ black paper until its done excavating it might buttress up against the side and then you could see it, but that is IMO. I was looking into getting one too, Good luck!

 

[CodeWilster]

Probably a Ctenolophus sp "African Red". They are one of the more common species in the trade. I believe they are collected out of Tanzania and reach a pretty good size for a trapdoor mygalomorph. I think if you google their incorrect name (Gorgyrella inermis) you will see some pics, try keywords "Ctenolophus" "red" etc too. They construct a folding door style lid, and would most likely adopt and further excavate a prebuilt burrow. With mine I simply put my finger about an inch into the dirt and overnight there was a burrow. If it is what I think it is, watch out they are nasty little biters. It will certainly be a pet hole, but much more exciting than H. lividum IMO since they make a fancy little door. Watching them snag prey is always fun (as well as the good job they do not letting you open their door!)

 

[8+)]

...I do think that if you got a narrow but deep container(ie 12hx4wx4d) and cover the sides w/ black paper until its done excavating it might buttress up against the side and then you could see it...

Problem is, they line there burrows with silk, so ultimately you wouldn't see much of it in the burrow. But TDS have just about become my favorite bug!