New Trapdoor Spider Species (Myrmekiaphila tigris) Photo Gallery by lejun at pbase.com

New Trapdoor Spider Species (Myrmekiaphila tigris)

Myrmekiaphila tigris

This is a new species of Trapdoor Spider discovered in 2011 and named in honor of Auburn University's tiger mascot.

The species was discovered by members of the Auburn University Department of Biological Sciences.

This species was brought to the attention of Dr. Jason Bond by Dr. Charles Ray.

Dr. Ray collected numerous specimens during the winter months (Dec.-Jan. of 2010/2012/2013)in Auburn, Alabama.

Dr. Ray generously supplied me with two living specimens which I photographed and released harmlessly.

These spiders are just a few centimeters in length with females being somewhat larger.

Males can be found wandering neighborhood sidewalks and in swimming pools in the winter months in Auburn when they are searching for a mate.
Females are quite secretive and longer-lived, spending up to 20 years in their burrows.
The burrows of this species are quite intricate with side chambers equippped with additional underground trap doors.

The new species is described in the journal ZooKeys at http://www.pensoft.net/journals/zookeys/article/3011/phylogenetic-reconsideration-of-myrmekiaphila-systematics-with-a-description-of-the-new-trapdoor-spider-species-myrmekia

Dorsal View	Specimen in natural environment	Dorsal View	Frontal View	Frontal View
Oblique View	Dorsal View	Dorsal-oblique View	Oblique View	Male Pedipalp Detail
M. tigris Video

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