on July 1, 2015

Trapdoor Spider

Spider

I’d love for you to come and visit—especially if you’re a nice, juicy, delicious bug.

No? Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Nobody ever comes to visit intentionally. I spend most of my life alone in this cozy little burrow. I built a hidden door using dirt, vegetation, and my own silk. It looks just like the ground all around. The hinge on the door can open very suddenly. Snap!

If some unsuspecting prey gets too close and hits one of my tripwires—let’s just say that I like fast food.

Trapdoor Spider

PAUL ZAHL/National Geographic Creative

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