The burrows are made by mygalomorph trapdoor spiders from the family Idiopidae and can be quite large. You can see at least three rings on the burrow lids which suggest the spiders within are that old. They attach the local fallen litter to the burrow edge with their silk and ambush prey such as ants and beetles.
Trapdoor spiders make great indicators of habitat health, as they need many other insects and bugs to sustain them, while also being seen as a tasty snack by predators such as reptiles and butcher birds.
As spring 2011 progresses we will post any interesting and unusual discoveries that come across our desk, so send any of your cool pics to info@wheatbeltnrm.org.au if you want to know more!
No comments:
Post a Comment