trap-door spider

noun

1. any of several burrowing spiders, of the family Ctenizidae, that construct a tubular nest with a hinged lid.

trap-door spider

noun

1. any of various spiders of the family Ctenizidae that construct a silk-lined hole in the ground closed by a hinged door of earth and silk

Word History and Origins

Origin of trap-door spider¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

The same book tells why the trap-door spider usually builds on a slope.

From Project Gutenberg

We frequently noticed, in the deep spongy moss over which we walked, the nests of a Trap-door Spider.

From Project Gutenberg

Talking of the ant-lion reminds one of another excavator, still more familiar to Cape colonists, the trap-door spider.

From Project Gutenberg

Many tell us that the tarantula has a lid on the top of his house, but this is incorrect, as that belongs to the trap-door spider.

From Project Gutenberg

Just what natural enemy the trap-door spider has I do not know.

From Project Gutenberg