Lamponidae

Lamponidae is a family of spiders belonging to the order Araneae. They are commonly known as trapdoor spiders due to their distinctive burrowing habits and the trapdoor-like entrance to their burrows. This family is found primarily in Australia, with a few species also occurring in New Zealand and South America. Lamponidae are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical bodies and long legs, which are adapted for burrowing and hunting.

The family Lamponidae includes several genera, with Lampona being the most well-known. These spiders are known for their unique reproductive strategy, where the female lays her eggs in a silk-lined burrow, which she then seals with a trapdoor. The male, upon finding the female's burrow, will enter and mate with her before dying. The female will then emerge from the burrow to care for her offspring.

Lamponidae are generally solitary spiders, with each individual occupying its own burrow. They are active hunters, preying on a variety of small invertebrates. The family is of significant interest to arachnologists due to its unique biology and the fascinating reproductive behaviors exhibited by its members. Despite their prevalence in Australia, Lamponidae are not well-studied, and much remains unknown about their ecology and behavior.