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if they exist. just curious.
Beginner trapdoor species?
- Thread starter jroachboy
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Here is an earlier thread that might be useful to you:
https://arachnoboards.com/threads/any-beginning-trapdoor-species-suitable-for-a-teen.287983/
https://arachnoboards.com/threads/any-beginning-trapdoor-species-suitable-for-a-teen.287983/
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If you really want to get the whole trapdoor spider experience - without spending a lot of money or having to worry too much about losing your spider due to errors in husbandry - just fill an empty tank with dirt and label it with the name and photo of a cool trapdoor species. It's not like you'd actually see a real trapdoor spider anyway!
Ok, so they aren't quite that bad - but pretty close. Ever time I've tried keeping a trapdoor spider, once they got their burrow and trapdoor constructed, they would disappear for months at a time. Even when I'd drop in a cricket, then step back and wait quietly for them to come out and grab it, they seemed to know I was watching and would not come out until after I'd gone. I think I may have seen one grab a cricket once or twice? The only other times I got to see them were "proof of life" checks when I'd open the trapdoor with tongs to make sure they were still alive under there.
Ok, so they aren't quite that bad - but pretty close. Ever time I've tried keeping a trapdoor spider, once they got their burrow and trapdoor constructed, they would disappear for months at a time. Even when I'd drop in a cricket, then step back and wait quietly for them to come out and grab it, they seemed to know I was watching and would not come out until after I'd gone. I think I may have seen one grab a cricket once or twice? The only other times I got to see them were "proof of life" checks when I'd open the trapdoor with tongs to make sure they were still alive under there.
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I can think of some exceptions to the general state of trapdoor spider keeping as being just a display of dirt with spiders not visible.
For example, there are species in the genus Cyclocosmia that plug their burrows, not with dirt, but with the caudal ends of their own abdomens. You do always see the spider, or the back end of it.
Your pet will constantly be mooning you!
It's better than it sounds, as they have intricate patterns of ridges and grooves on the exposed tail end. I read a news story somewhere about a farmer that got excited thinking he'd discovered some ancient coin in his field, only to find that it was the hind rump of one of these.
For example, there are species in the genus Cyclocosmia that plug their burrows, not with dirt, but with the caudal ends of their own abdomens. You do always see the spider, or the back end of it.
Your pet will constantly be mooning you!
It's better than it sounds, as they have intricate patterns of ridges and grooves on the exposed tail end. I read a news story somewhere about a farmer that got excited thinking he'd discovered some ancient coin in his field, only to find that it was the hind rump of one of these.
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Lmao I loved that. Now that I think of it you're actually right... it's kinda like having a pet rock I guess. I still adore how they build those little doors so I was wondering if there were any acceptable beginner species. But perhaps I'll stick to burrowers and webbers.
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I owned a trap door tarantula, watching her hunt subterranean was the best!
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What species was this?
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See my Liphistius cf ornatus every time I drop prey in. Also their trip wires look really smart.
Real time
Slow motion
Real time
Slow motion
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Whoa!
What was the feeder?
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Waxworm.
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That's super super cool!