Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: A medium to large spider, with females reaching a body length of up to 25mm. Males are smaller and more slender, typically around 15-20mm.
Coloration: The body is typically a uniform dark colour, ranging from rich dark brown to black, often with a slight sheen on the carapace. The abdomen is dark and covered in fine hairs, sometimes with faint, paler markings, though these are not prominent.
Key Features: The key distinguishing feature is the presence of dense 'brush' feet (scopulae), which is unusual for a trapdoor spider and allows it to climb smooth vertical surfaces. Its burrow, often with a thick, plug-like door, is another key identifier.
Biology & Lifecycle
Development & Reproduction
Reproduction Rate: Reproduction is a slow process. A female likely produces only a few egg sacs over her very long lifetime, with a modest number of eggs in each.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
After mating, the female constructs a silk egg sac which she secures deep within her burrow. This provides maximum protection from predators, parasites, and environmental fluctuations. She will guard the eggs aggressively until they hatch, which can take several weeks to months depending on temperature.
Larval Stage
Upon hatching, the spiderlings (correct term, not larvae) are underdeveloped and remain within the egg sac for their first moult. Afterwards, they emerge but stay within the mother's burrow for an extended period, sometimes for up to a year. During this time, the mother may provide some level of protection and possibly even share food.
Pupal Stage
Spiders do not undergo a pupal stage. Their development is direct, growing larger with each successive moult (ecdysis).
Adult Stage
Like many mygalomorphs, this species is long-lived and slow to mature. Females can take several years to reach reproductive maturity and may live for over a decade, potentially up to 20 years. They rarely, if ever, leave their burrow. Males mature faster, in perhaps 2-4 years, and their adult life is short. Once mature, they leave their burrows permanently to wander in search of a mate, and typically die soon after mating or from predation.
Reproduction Rate
Reproduction is a slow process. A female likely produces only a few egg sacs over her very long lifetime, with a modest number of eggs in each.
Generations Per Year
Far less than one. The lifecycle spans many years, so generations are not annual but are continuous and overlapping within a population.
Development Time
The complete development from egg to mature adult takes multiple years, a stark contrast to the months-long lifecycle of many common spiders.
Seasonal Cycle
Mating activity peaks after rain, often in late spring or summer, when the ground is soft and humid, which facilitates the wandering of males. Females remain in their burrows year-round.
Environmental Factors
Stable soil or embankment structure for burrowing, consistent moisture, and a healthy layer of leaf litter are critical for their survival. Soil composition and humidity are key environmental drivers for this species.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Moist, shaded soil and leaf litter in subtropical rainforests.
- Creek embankments and sloping ground which provide good drainage.
- Under rocks and logs in damp, shaded areas.
- They are not found in open, dry areas or typical suburban lawns.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
Primarily found in south-eastern Queensland, particularly in and around the Brisbane area, extending to nearby rainforest regions.
Climate Zones
- Subtropical
Urban vs Rural Distribution
Almost exclusively rural or found in remnant bushland patches within suburban areas. They do not infest homes but may be found in well-vegetated, moist gardens that mimic their natural habitat.
Native Range
Native to Australia.
Introduced Range
Not an introduced species.
Introduction History
Not applicable.
Current Spread
Distribution is likely stable but threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to urbanization and land clearing in its limited range.
Limiting Factors
Habitat destruction is the primary limiting factor. They are also limited by low humidity and unsuitable soil types.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
Strictly nocturnal. The spider waits at the entrance of its burrow at night, with the trapdoor slightly ajar, sensing for the vibrations of passing prey.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
A carnivorous generalist predator of ground-dwelling invertebrates.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- Does not transmit any diseases to humans.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
Not known to be a source of allergens.
Contamination Risk
None. It is a ground-dwelling spider with no association with human food or dwellings.
Vulnerable Populations
- No specific populations are vulnerable, as encounters are extremely rare.
- Gardeners working in rainforest-like gardens in its native range could potentially disturb one.
Symptoms of Exposure
- A bite is highly unlikely but would cause immediate, sharp mechanical pain from the fang penetration.
- Localized swelling, redness, and itching around the bite site may occur.
- Systemic symptoms are not expected. No cases of severe envenomation are documented.
- If bitten, apply a cold pack for pain and swelling and ensure tetanus immunisation is current. Medical attention is only required if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Transmission Methods
- The only potential health risk is from a defensive bite if the spider is accidentally dug up and provoked.
Risk Severity
Low. While not considered 'venomous' in a medically significant sense, a bite could be painful due to the large size of the fangs.
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
$0. Control is never necessary.
Prevention Costs
$0. Prevention is not applicable.
Diy Treatment
$0.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
None.
Garden Damage
None. Their burrows are small and do not damage gardens; they contribute to soil health.
Food Contamination
None.
Equipment Damage
None.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
None.
Retail Impact
None.
Reputation Damage
None.
Operational Disruption
None.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
None.
Yield Loss
None.
Beneficial Aspects
They are a natural predator of ground-dwelling insects and contribute to the biodiversity and health of their native forest ecosystems. They are an indicator of a healthy, undisturbed environment.
Economic Loss
None.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
Negligible, as bites are virtually unheard of.
Cleanup Costs
None.
Replacement Costs
None.
Preventive Maintenance
None.
Detection & Signs
Visual Signs
- The term 'infestation' is not appropriate for this solitary, native species.
- The only sign of its presence is discovering its well-camouflaged trapdoor burrow, which looks like a small, circular outline on the soil surface.
- Wandering males might be seen at night after rain during the mating season.
Physical Evidence
- The burrow and its trapdoor are the only physical evidence.
Behavioral Signs
- None are typically observable without disturbing the spider.
Seasonal Indicators
- An increased chance of spotting a wandering male at night during summer rains.
Early Warning Signals
- Not applicable.
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- Not applicable. They are a sign of a healthy ecosystem, not poor sanitation.
Exclusion Methods
- Not applicable. They do not enter homes.
Landscaping Tips
- To conserve them, maintain native vegetation, leaf litter, and moist soil conditions in parts of your garden if you live in their range. Avoid clearing creek banks and undergrowth.
Monitoring Strategies
- Monitoring is not for control, but for conservation and interest. One can carefully observe a known burrow at night with a red-light torch to potentially see the spider waiting for prey.
Environmental Modification
- The best environmental modification is to leave their habitat undisturbed.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
Never recommended or necessary.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
If a burrow must be moved due to construction, the entire plug of soil containing the burrow can be carefully excavated and relocated to a similar, safe habitat. This should be a last resort.
Integrated Approach
The approach is one of conservation: appreciate and protect this unique native species.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
None required.
Home Made Traps
None required.
Deterrent Methods
None required.
Mechanical Control
If a wandering male enters a garage or home, it can be safely trapped using a jar and piece of cardboard and released outside.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
Not applicable.
Timeframe
Not applicable.
Follow Up Required
Not applicable.
Seasonal Considerations
Not applicable.
Application Techniques
- Not applicable.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
Chemical Control
Never recommended or necessary.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
If a burrow must be moved due to construction, the entire plug of soil containing the burrow can be carefully excavated and relocated to a similar, safe habitat. This should be a last resort.
Integrated Approach
The approach is one of conservation: appreciate and protect this unique native species.
Professional Treatment Costs
$0. Control is never necessary.
Treatment Success Rates
Not applicable.
Treatment Timeframe
Not applicable.
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Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
Females remain in burrows. As temperatures warm, activity increases. Males may begin wandering late in the season.
Summer Activity
Peak season for activity. Night-time hunting is regular. After heavy rains, males are most likely to be found wandering in search of females.
Autumn Activity
Mating season may continue. Activity lessens as temperatures begin to cool.
Winter Activity
The spider becomes largely inactive, remaining sealed in its burrow which provides thermal stability. It will live off stored fat reserves.
Breeding Season
Primarily summer, stimulated by rainfall.
Peak Activity Period
Not applicable.
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
Warm temperatures are needed for activity, while the burrow protects from lethal extremes.
Humidity Effects
High soil humidity is critical for survival and preventing the burrow from collapsing.
Photoperiod Effects
Their nocturnal nature is a fixed trait.
Weather Patterns
Rainfall is a major trigger for male wandering and mating behaviour.
Legal Considerations
Pest Status
Not a pest. It is a native species.
Control Regulations
No regulations for control exist. Harming native wildlife may be subject to general environmental protection laws.
Professional Requirements
Not applicable.
Environmental Considerations
The primary consideration is the conservation of this species and its rainforest habitat. Its presence is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. Clearing of habitat is the main threat.
Compliance Requirements
- None related to pest control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Brush-footed Spider different from other trapdoor species?
The Brush-footed Spider, Seqocrypta jakara, possesses a remarkable and defining trait that sets it apart from most other trapdoor spiders: its ability to climb smooth vertical surfaces. This is thanks to the dense tufts of hair, known as scopulae, on its feet, which function like adhesive pads. While common in groups like Huntsman and Jumping Spiders, this feature is highly unusual for the heavy-bodied, ground-dwelling trapdoor spiders. This adaptation allows it to navigate its complex rainforest environment, potentially climbing leaves or smooth rocks near its burrow. Additionally, its burrow is often sealed with a particularly thick, dense, plug-like door, which can be different from the thinner, wafer-like doors of some other trapdoor families. This combination of a classic mygalomorph lifestyle with an advanced climbing adaptation makes it a unique subject of study in Australian arachnology.
Is the Brush-footed Spider dangerous to humans?
No, the Brush-footed Spider is not considered dangerous to humans. It belongs to the mygalomorph group of spiders, which includes species with large fangs. Consequently, a defensive bite could certainly be painful due to the mechanical action of the fangs piercing the skin, likely causing localized pain, swelling, and redness. However, its venom is not known to be medically significant to humans, and there are no records of severe envenomation. These spiders are extremely reclusive and shy, spending nearly their entire lives sealed within their hidden burrows. An encounter is incredibly rare and a bite would only occur as a last resort if the spider was dug up and directly provoked or handled. They pose no active threat and should be respected as harmless native wildlife.
Do I need to get rid of Brush-footed Spiders on my property?
Absolutely not. There is no need to control or get rid of Brush-footed Spiders. In fact, finding one on your property should be seen as a positive sign that you have a healthy, stable, and native ecosystem. These spiders are not pests; they do not infest homes, damage property, or pose a risk to health. They are solitary, long-lived creatures that play a valuable role as predators in their natural environment. Their presence indicates that the soil structure and humidity levels are suitable for native wildlife. Attempting to control them would be detrimental to local biodiversity. The best course of action is to leave them and their burrows completely undisturbed. If a burrow must be moved for construction, careful relocation of the entire soil plug is the only humane option, but this should be avoided if at all possible.
Where am I likely to find a Brush-footed Spider?
You are only likely to find a Brush-footed Spider within its very specific natural habitat. They are native to the subtropical rainforests of south-eastern Queensland and are not widespread. Look for them in areas with damp, shaded, and stable soil, such as the embankments of creeks and streams, or on sloping ground under a dense canopy of trees. Their burrows are masterfully camouflaged and will appear as a faint circular outline on the ground, often covered with moss, soil, or leaf litter to blend in perfectly. You will not find them in open lawns, dry areas, or inside houses. The chances of encountering the spider itself are very slim, as they are nocturnal and rarely leave their burrow. You are far more likely to unknowingly walk past their hidden trapdoors.
How does a Brush-footed Spider hunt?
The Brush-footed Spider is a quintessential ambush predator that embodies the 'sit-and-wait' strategy. At night, the spider will come to the entrance of its burrow and sit with its trapdoor slightly ajar, often just a crack. It remains perfectly still, with its front legs resting on the rim of the burrow entrance. From this position, it can sense the minute vibrations caused by prey walking past. Some species lay down a few silk 'trip-lines' radiating from the entrance to expand their sensory field. When an unsuspecting insect, millipede, or other arthropod comes within range, the spider explodes from its burrow with incredible speed. It rears up, sinks its powerful fangs into the victim, and immediately drags it back down into the depths of the burrow to be consumed in safety. The entire attack is over in a fraction of a second.
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Image Gallery
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