nemesiids

Nemesiids are a family of large, robust spiders belonging to the order Araneae. They are commonly known as trapdoor spiders or funnel-trapdoor spiders. These arachnids are fossorial, meaning they live in burrows dug into the ground. These burrows are often lined with silk and may be covered by a hinged lid, hence the "trapdoor" moniker.

Nemesiids are found in various habitats worldwide, with a significant diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Their diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates that are captured when they stray too close to the spider's burrow. The spider waits patiently, often with its legs extended across the entrance, and then rapidly ambushes its prey.

Reproduction in nemesiids involves the male seeking out the female's burrow. Courtship rituals can be complex, and after mating, the female lays her eggs in a silken sac within her burrow. Young nemesiids, or spiderlings, remain with their mother for a period before dispersing to establish their own burrows.

While generally reclusive, nemesiids are known for their potent venom, though their bites to humans are typically not considered medically significant unless an allergic reaction occurs. Their appearance is characterized by a stout body, often covered in dense hairs, and powerful chelicerae used for digging and defense. The family Nemesiidae encompasses a wide range of genera and species, each adapted to specific environmental conditions.