Idioctis yerlata
| Idioctis yerlata | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Barychelidae |
| Genus: | Idioctis |
| Species: | I. yerlata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Idioctis yerlata | |
Idioctis yerlata, also known as the intertidal trapdoor spider, is a species of mygalomorph spider in the Barychelidae family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1992 by Australian arachnologists Tracey Churchill and Robert Raven. The specific epithet yerlata is an Aboriginal term for ‘oyster’, for the perceived similarity to the door of the spider's burrow.[1][2]
Distribution and habitat[edit]
The species occurs in coastal eastern Queensland, in intertidal habitat, in mangroves and coral rubble, along suitable beaches from Far North Queensland to Rockhampton.[3] The type locality is Cape Tribulation.[1]
Behaviour[edit]
The spiders construct burrows in mangroves and rock cavities, with entrance doors that are closed when submerged at high tide.[3][1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Churchill, TB; Raven, RJ (1992). "Systematics of the intertidal trapdoor spider genus Idioctis (Mygalomorphae: Barychelidae) in the western Pacific with a new genus from the northeast". Memoirs of the Queensland Museum. 32 (1): 9–30 [14]. Retrieved 2023-07-02.
- ^ "Species Idioctis yerlata Churchill & Raven, 1992". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. Retrieved 2023-07-02.
- ^ a b Ron Atkinson (2022). "Intertidal trapdoor". The Find-a-spider Guide for the Spiders of Southern Queensland. Retrieved 2023-07-02.