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California Trapdoor Spider

California Trapdoor Spider (photos)
Location: Mt Washington, Los Angeles, CA
October 20, 2010 12:16 pm
Last night I found what I believe to be a California Trapdoor Spider climbing the wall near my front porch. As it’s unusual to see such a huge spider in our area I captured it rather than killing it so it could be relocated to a more suitable location. I thought I would share the photos as the one of it’s relocation shows it in pretty good detail and color. Enjoy!
~ Chris

California Trapdoor Spider

Hi Chris,
We really love California Trapdoor Spiders. You did not indicate where you live, but since our offices are in Los Angeles, we know all about the unseasonal rains that have been falling for several days now. Male California Trapdoor Spiders wander about in search of a mate after the first rains of the season. Sadly, many wander into swimming pools and drown. We are happy you rescued this guy and released him. Hopefully he will get lucky and perpetuate the species.

California Trapdoor Spider

Hi Daniel,
I did forget to include that! I live at the base of Mt. Washington at the L.A./Eagle Rock border. I’m about 2 miles from the ‘wild’ area of the mountain so I imagine this guy either got washed out or hitched a ride down as there isn’t a good habitat for him in my immediate area. He’s been happily relocated back to the Heidelberg Park area of the mountain and should find plenty to keep his attention up there! Feel free to use either of the photos I linked on your website if they will work for your purpose. Thanks for maintaining a good resource on the CTS!
Chris

Hi Chris,
Thanks for the additional information. Daniel lives in Mt Washington near Elyria Canyon, so it appears we are neighbors.

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¶ Posted 20 October 2010 § ‡ Comments (2) °

Parson Spider

Parson Spider
Location: Atlanta, Ga. USA
September 8, 2010 10:55 pm
Hello!
Thanks to your site, which led me to Bug Guide, I think I have identified our mystery spider. We found it indoors in a suburb near Atlanta, Ga. USA. I’m reasonably sure it is a Parson Spider, and since I see no pictures of Parson Spiders on your site I thought I’d offer mine. The poor thing is missing 2 legs (not our doing), but it’s easily identifiable nonetheless.
Love your site. Thanks!
(PS- I am resending this as it apparently did not go through earlier. I sure hope I’m not sending multiple copies, and if I did then I apologize!)
Signature: Kit

Parson Spider

Hi Kit,
Thanks so much for sending and then resending this image of a Parson Spider, Herpyllus ecclesiasticus. We actually do have other images buried deep in our archive, but your letter has given us the opportunity to create a new category for the family Gnaphosidae, the Ground Spiders, and then move our other letters with photographs of Parson Spiders into that category.

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¶ Posted 09 September 2010 § ‡ Comments (0) °

Ground Spider

Spider
Hi, my family and I love the site!! Can you tell us what kind of spider this is?? My wife found it on her foot. My boys are very impressed she didn’t pass out because she hates any and all bugs. We live in central Oklahoma if that helps out any. Thanks
Shannon

antmimic spider shannon Ground Spider