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A trapdoor spider emerging from its burrow

Trapdoor spiders

Trapdoor spiders, of which there are about 50 species in the Liphistius genus, are found in China, Japan and south east Asia. These spiders rarely leave their underground burrows, and seal the entrance with a disguised web trapdoor. When an unsuspecting insect touches one of the silk fishing lines, or trip wires, that radiate out of the entrance, the trapdoor springs open and the spider grabs it prey.

Scientific name: Liphistius

Rank: Genus

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Distribution

The Trapdoor spiders can be found in a number of locations including: Asia, China. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.

Behaviours

Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.

Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web

About

Liphistius is a genus of basal trapdoor spiders in the family Liphistiidae. They are found in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.

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Classification

  1. Life
  2. Animals
  3. Arthropods
  4. Arachnids
  5. Spiders
  6. Liphistiidae
  7. Trapdoor spiders

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