Liphistius malayanusby *melvynyeo

Photography / Macro / Nature

Having a centipede for dinner

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The Malaysian Trapdoor Spider is a primitive burrowing species native to, as the name would suggest, the tropical rainforests of Malaysia. It has a unique hunting method from which comes the name "Trapdoor Spider."
One of many species of Trapdoor Spiders, the Malaysian Trapdoor Spider is unique in that it still retains the primitive segmented abdomen. They hunt by forming a trapdoor to their burrow and waiting until prey approaches. The Malaysian Trapdoor Spider traditionally builds its nest on the slope of a hill. It coats the walls of the burrow with a mixture of soil and saliva, which keeps water out. Then the walls are lined with silk, covering everything, including the entrance hole. A circular door is then cut through the silk, with one part left attached as a hinge. The Malaysian Trapdoor Spider feeds on insects and small vertebrates that approach its burrow. It lies in wait, either behind the closed door or with its legs extended outside the door. Hairs on its legs feel the vibrations from approaching prey. It then quickly attacks, drawing the prey inside its burrow to be eaten. Trapdoor Spiders are solitary animals, social only when mating. The male enters the burrow of a female that has accepted him. They mate inside, the male leaves (and usually dies after mating), and the female hangs the egg sac on a wall. After several weeks, the egg sac hatches. Several weeks later, the young leave to build their own burrows. Female Trapdoor Spiders can live for twelve years or more, though they usually live 1 to 2 years on average.
The Malaysian Trapdoor Spider is larger then many other Trapdoor Spiders, reaching 4.5 inches in diameter on average. As mentioned above, it is one of the most primitive spiders in that it retains the segmented abdomen.

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