A rare species of trapdoor spider has been found by chance in the backyard of a Grass Valley home in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region.

Dr Mark Harvey, arachnid expert at the Western Australian Museum, said it was fortuitous that the unusual white head of the spider prompted the Grass Valley resident who found it to carefully capture it for identification.

“It was taken to the Department of Environment and Conservation in Northam, and later given to the Museum for identification,” Dr Harvey said.

“I nearly fell over when I saw its white head.

“The male spider is about three centimetres in length and although it has a brown body, like other trapdoor spiders, it has been affectionately nicknamed ‘albino’ until it is properly named.

“However, it is not a true albino, as only the head is white”.

Dr Harvey said trapdoor spiders are so named because they construct their burrows with a trapdoor made of soil and vegetation, and hinged with silk on one side.

“The trapdoor itself is well camouflaged with the spider characteristically holding on to the underside of the door while waiting for its prey which it feels through vibrations.

“Although it has venom glands, a bite to humans would be painful but not likely dangerous.”

Dr Harvey said the spider is considered rare as it is currently the only known specimen of its kind.

Flora Perrella, Western Australian Museum T. 9212 3856  M. 0424 027 646
flora.perrella@museum.wa.gov.au