Scientific Name: Misgolas rapax Other species build traditional
trapdoor lids to their burrows that are made of strong silk
interwoven with pieces of leaf, bark, soil, moss, etc. to
camouflage them. Often confused with the funnel-web spiders, the
brown trapdoor can be distinguished by its chocolate brown
coloration, less robust body and the presence of distinct boxing
glove-shaped palps in the males (these are the appendages at the
front of the head between the first pair of legs). The body and
legs are covered in tiny hairs. The female is around 35mm in
length, while the male is usually around 20mm and of a more
slimmer build. In contrast to the aggressive funnel-webs,
trapdoors are usually shy and retiring, although the occasional
individual will stand up and present its fangs if harassed.
Trapdoor spiders dig a burrow in the ground that is lined with
silk, though, despite their common name, this species does not
construct a lid. They use these burrows to raise their young and
for protection. Burrows may re