Never pick up this kind of “object” if you find one on the ground. But what is it, really?

😱 Never pick up this kind of “object” if you find one on the ground… But what is it, really? An old coin forgotten from the past? Or a mysterious artifact from an ancient civilization? 🤔 And if, by chance, you come across such an object in the ground… think carefully before approaching it! Why? Not everything is as simple as it seems… 👀 ➡️ Discover all the details here 👇👇👇

This is a Trapdoor Spider (Cyclocosmia), and on top of that, it’s a venomous species. But what type of spider is it exactly, and why is its “back end” so strange?

Cyclocosmia is a genus of spiders belonging to the Halonoproctidae family. Their main characteristic, as you’ve probably guessed, is their abdomen. It’s not a typical round shape, but rather one that appears to have been abruptly cut off. The abdomen ends in a hard disk, which looks like a seal, a coin, or even a sewer plate. That’s where the name “trapdoor spider” comes from.

Cyclocosmia isn’t very large. Males typically measure between 2 and 3 cm, while females can reach up to 3 cm, and in some species, up to 5 cm. The diameter of the disk at the end of the abdomen is about 1.5 to 1.6 cm.

This disk serves as a shield for the spider. When Cyclocosmia feels threatened, it quickly hides in its hole (these spiders dig vertical tunnels about 15 cm deep) and seals the entrance with its “disk,” which fits perfectly into the opening.

Cyclocosmia is a venomous spider, like most spiders. However, its venom is not deadly to humans. Of course, its bite is not pleasant – it’s quite painful, similar to a wasp or bee sting. This venom is meant to paralyze its prey, not to attack humans.

These peculiar creatures are native to Asia and the Americas. Interestingly, different species of Cyclocosmia prefer varied habitats. Some settle in forests, others on the slopes of riverbanks, while some live in caves. However, they all share a preference for loose soils, where they can comfortably dig their tunnels.

Unlike many of its spider relatives, Cyclocosmia doesn’t spin webs to catch its prey. It is an ambush hunter. It digs a vertical hole, the lower part of which is lined with spider silk, while the entrance is camouflaged. Indicator threads extend from the opening and are covered in dirt and small debris. The spider patiently waits in its hiding spot until an insect or another small arthropod makes contact with one of these threads. At that moment, the spider rushes out to grab its prey.

There are several species of Cyclocosmia, each with a unique pattern on the disk of its abdomen. Scientists distinguish them based on these patterns, the number of hairs on the disk, and in the case of females, the shape of the spermatheca.

Some of these species are even threatened with extinction. That’s why, if you’re lucky enough to encounter a Cyclocosmia in the wild, it is essential not to disturb it! They are gems of our natural heritage that deserve to be treated with care and protected.