Tube Trap Door Spider - 1 to 2 inch
Damachus workmani

Looking for a unique and intriguing addition to your collection of exotic pets or for a striking conversation piece in your home or office? Look no further than the Tube Trap Door Spider (Damachus workmani)! These fascinating spiders are known for their intricate tube-shaped burrows and lightning-fast reflexes, making them captivating to observe and effective predators. Despite their small size, they play a crucial role in controlling the population of small arthropods in their ecosystem, making them an essential part of the Australian ecosystem. Whether you are a collector or simply looking for a unique and fascinating pet, the Tube Trap Door Spider will impress.

The Tube Trap Door Spider, scientifically known as Damachus workmani, is a fascinating and unique spider species found in Australia. These spiders are known for their intricate tube-shaped burrows that they create to trap their prey.

The Tube Trap Door Spider belongs to the family of Cyrtaucheniidae, typically brown or black, with a glossy texture. They are relatively small, with an average body length of around 1-2 centimeters, but their legs span up to 5-6 centimeters.

One of the most distinctive features of the Tube Trap Door Spider is its caves. They create these burrows by using silk to line the walls of the tube, which is then reinforced with bits of soil and debris. The box is often camouflaged with surrounding debris, making it difficult for prey to detect. At the tube's entrance, they construct a hinged door, which is held shut with the help of a sticky adhesive. When a potential prey item comes within reach, the spider quickly opens the door and captures the prey with lightning-fast reflexes.

The Tube Trap Door Spider is a solitary species that is most active at night. They primarily feed on insects and other small arthropods, which they capture using their unique burrowing technique. They are also known for their impressive defensive behavior, where they raise their front legs and hold their chelicerae open, warning off any potential predators.

Despite their small size, the Tube Trap Door Spider is an essential predator in their ecosystem, controlling the population of small arthropods. While they may seem intimidating, they are not considered dangerous to humans and are generally docile if left undisturbed.

Overall, the Tube Trap Door Spider is a fascinating species with unique behaviors and adaptations that make them an essential part of the Australian ecosystem.