Cyclocosmia or "trapdoor spider" is a genus of spiders in the Ctenizidae family. The abdomens of the spiders belonging in this group look like they’ve been cut in half, then elaborately carved by a master craftsman to resemble mayan suns or even oreo cookies ;)
The ribs, grooves, and patterns at the end of the abdomen add strength to the already hardened disk, which the spider uses when threatened. It burrows into the ground about 7-15cm (2.75-5.9 inches) deep, its disk facing skyward: an impenetrable barrier against hungry predators.
Using your own body as a burrow barrier is known as phragmosis, and the effectiveness and camouflage of Cyclocosmia’s barrier is enough for them to be considered among the rarest spiders.
Reference:http://bugguide.net/node/view/174732
The ribs, grooves, and patterns at the end of the abdomen add strength to the already hardened disk, which the spider uses when threatened. It burrows into the ground about 7-15cm (2.75-5.9 inches) deep, its disk facing skyward: an impenetrable barrier against hungry predators.
Using your own body as a burrow barrier is known as phragmosis, and the effectiveness and camouflage of Cyclocosmia’s barrier is enough for them to be considered among the rarest spiders.
Reference:http://bugguide.net/node/view/174732
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