Mysterious Trapdoor Spiders

Learn about the Mysterious Trapdoor Spiders.

Join Dr Leanda Mason, spider ecologist, for a fascinating presentation about the life of Australian trapdoor spiders.

WOW. Ever been curious about trapdoor spiders? Dr Leanda Mason will pull you right into their little burrow worlds, and you might just fall in love with them too (the spiders… though Leanda’s not too bad either).

These arachnids have been recorded to be evolving for over 300 million years - that’s before dinosaurs, before birds, even before flowers. With ancient lineages that trace back to Gondwana (before the continents split), they’re some of our most enduring local species. 

Although worthy and valuable in their own right, trapdoor spiders play a crucial role in local ecologies and have many potential benefits to humans in medicine and agriculture… yet their habitats are increasingly under pressure. For example in 2024, Leanda was part of a world-first trapdoor spider relocation in the Porongurups, working alongside Cass Lynch and a team of committed volunteers, including the brilliant (and annoyingly humble) Loxley Fedec.

Protecting these extraordinary creatures starts with becoming aware and understanding their quiet, reclusive ways. As you will come to learn, there are many, many species in the south west but little is known about them due to their extremely well camouflaged burrows and specialised ways. Once you know even a surface level amount about trapdoor spiders though, you’ll never look at the ground in bushland same way again… 

photo credit Dr Leanda Mason

10,00am - 12pm  am  Ravensthorpe Cultural Precinct  an information session open to all;  

feature presenter sponsored by Ravensthorpe Shire at the Market Day 9am-2pm