Trapdoor spider (Cyclocosmia truncata)

Short answers

Trapdoor spider: How big does the enclosure need to be?

20×20×30 cm (the height is for the substrate).

Trapdoor spider: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 17–20 °C.

Trapdoor spider: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Trapdoor spider: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Trapdoor spider: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–26 °C

Night temperature

17–20 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

70–80 %

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

20×20×30 cm (the height is for the substrate)

Substrate

Firm, compactable loam and coco humus (20–25 cm)

Feeding

Food

House crickets, roaches

Feeding interval

every 10–14 days

Key facts

Adult size

body 2–3 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

The south-eastern USA

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

Keep singly. Like most trapdoor spiders it is solitary and territorially tied to its one burrow; a second animal would have no burrow of its own and would be driven off or eaten. For breeding, the male is placed near the female's burrow under supervision and removed again afterwards.

Notes

The truncated abdomen seals the burrow like a plug – a unique body plan. Almost always in the burrow; the substrate has to be deep and hold its shape. Not a display animal, but fascinating.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata) – Intermediate
• Huntsman spider (Heteropoda venatoria) – Beginner
• Brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) – Expert
• David Bowie huntsman spider (Heteropoda davidbowie) – Intermediate
• Tube-web spider (Segestria florentina) – Intermediate
• Raft spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus) – Expert
• Segmented spider (Liphistius sp.) – Expert
• Great raft spider (Dolomedes plantarius) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Trapdoor spider (Cyclocosmia truncata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×30 cm (the height is for the substrate)), substrate (Firm, compactable loam and coco humus (20–25 cm)), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.