The group of scientists from the University of Western Australia opened two new types of secret spiders (trapdoor spiders) in the Kimberly area, first recording the representative of the Kwonkan family in the north of the country. The researchers described new species – Kwonkan Fluctellus and Kwonkan Nemoralis. The work is published in the journal of Australian Classification Magazine (AJT).
The leading author of the study, Dr. Jeremy Wilson, note that the opening occurred in the Bush Blitz expedition in 2022.
The unique works of Nor Kwonkan Nemoralis have increased special attention to researchers. Unlike most related species to build simple entrances, these spiders create technical masterpieces. Their hole has a special silk collar filled with sand grains. With the threat, the collar collapsed, concealed the entrance and made it invisible to the predators.
We wonder why they have such unusual entrances, Dr. Wilson added. Perhaps this is an adaptation for hunting or protecting against predators, such as Scorpions, many people and bees.
Scientists also propose that such a design can protect spiders from floods suddenly in arid areas.