Anamidae

Anamidae is a family of spiders in the infraorder Mygalomorphae, order Araneae. The family comprises several genera of burrowing spiders commonly referred to as trapdoor spiders. Anamidae species are distributed largely in the Southern Hemisphere, with the greatest diversity in Australia; some taxa occur in New Guinea and nearby regions.

Most Anamidae are fossorial, constructing silk-lined burrows in soil, leaf litter, or rocky substrates. Many create a retreat that may be camouflaged by a hidden trapdoor. They are typically slow-moving and rely on ambush rather than active pursuit to capture prey, which consists of insects and other arthropods. They have robust bodies, downward-pointing fangs, and relatively poor eyesight, as characteristic of mygalomorphs.

Reproduction and life history: Females guard egg sacs within their burrows, and spiderlings hatch to remain in proximity for some time before dispersing. Lifespans can be several years, particularly for females.

Taxonomy and systematics: The family Anamidae was established in recent taxonomic revisions of Australian mygalomorph spiders, separating certain genera from Nemesiidae. It includes multiple genera, notably including Aname, and is the subject of ongoing molecular studies that may refine relationships within the group.