Liphistius


Liphistius is a genus of basal trapdoor spiders in the family Liphistiidae. They are found in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.

Etymology

Liphistius is from the Greek Leipo and stios.

Biology

Female body length ranges from 9 to 29 mm; males are slightly smaller. They live in burrows in earthen banks, on some cave walls, and probably in forests. The burrow is sealed with a thin, circular woven door, which is disguised with earth and moss. While they spend the day deep inside the burrow, at night they wait just below the door for insects, woodlice and similar animals that stumble over one of the seven silken threads that radiate from the entrance. With a reluctance to leave their burrows, they push up the door and reach for their prey.

Species