Cataxia babindaensis explained

Cataxia babindaensis, also known as the strawberry trapdoor spider, is a species of mygalomorph spider in the Idiopidae family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1969 by Australian arachnologist Barbara York Main.[1]

Description

This is a relatively large species, with body lengths of up to 45 mm. The spiders have a deep red carapace and legs, and a banded abdomen.[2]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in north-eastern Queensland in closed forest habitats. The type locality is The Boulders National Park near Babinda.[1]

Behaviour

The spiders are fossorial, terrestrial predators that construct burrows with soft trapdoors in wet, unlittered soil, or on embankments.[1] [2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Species Cataxia babindaensis Main, 1969 . . 2023-02-03. Australian Faunal Directory . Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia . 2023-08-10.
  2. Web site: Strawberry Trapdoor Spider (Cataxia babindaensis) juvenile. 2023. Bug Frenzy. 2023-08-10.