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Unknown big spider in coastal Oaxaca State, Mexico
Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 11:06 AM
We found this unfortunate drowing-victim in our pool one December morning at our place in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, in Mexico – we’ve spent lots of time down there, but have never seen a spider like it, so maybe it only comes out at night? I couldn’t stop looking at it, it is just so cool!
The first photo is how we found it: upside down at the bottom of the pool, just thought this would be good for scale.
The next two photos are (obviously) just close-ups of the mystery spider.
Hope you can help!
Jess
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico

Mexican Trapdoor Spider

Dear Jess,
We believe this is a Trapdoor Spider.  There is a related spider in California that frequently drowns in pools after the winter rains.  The rains trigger the mating urge in the male Trapdoor Spider who leaves his burrow in search of a mate.  Sadly, swimming pools often seem to be on the spider’s route.

Mexican Trapdoor Spider

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