spider unknown - Cyclocosmia truncata

Cyclocosmia

Adult male Cyclocosmia truncata -- very nice find!

These spiders are more common than we have been led to believe, but they are seldom seen. I know of several places in Alabama where they are abundant, and I have also collected this species in Tennessee. The other species (C. torreya) is fairly common in Florida if you know where (and how) to look!

… Brent E Hendrixson, 18 October, 2005 - 4:31pm

Moved to "Cyclocosmia truncata" Guide Page

Created and added your image to the guide. Thank you for submitting a such a great find (plus we were able to add another genus and species of spider)!!

… Christopher Hunt, 13 September, 2005 - 12:04pm

This picture is

a dead ringer for Cyclocosmia truncata in my Golden Guide to Spiders. That's a type of trapdoor spider. (I don't know if there are other similar looking species, however...and I can't be sure the scientific name hasn't changed)See Guide Pages.

… Lynette Schimming, 31 August, 2005 - 5:57am

Holy cow!

What a great find! Lynette is right on, this is Cyclocosmia truncata. She uses her hardened, squared-off abdomen to block her burrow when danger threatens. Very seldom seen animal, thanks for sharing the image.

… Eric R. Eaton, 31 August, 2005 - 12:39pm

Thanks

Thanks for the id. I sent the photo to a prof at the local university and he put the same name on it, commenting that it is a local species. I suppose it got flooded out of its burrow by Katrina.

… Jeff Garner, 31 August, 2005 - 7:40pm