Idioctis yerlata

Idioctis yerlata, also known as the intertidal trapdoor spider, is a species of mygalomorph spider in the Barychelidae family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1992 by Australian arachnologists Tracey Churchill and Robert Raven. The specific epithet yerlata is an Aboriginal term for ‘oyster’, for the perceived similarity to the door of the spider's burrow.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in coastal eastern Queensland, in intertidal habitat, in mangroves and coral rubble, along suitable beaches from Far North Queensland to Rockhampton. The type locality is Cape Tribulation.

Behaviour

The spiders construct burrows in mangroves and rock cavities, with entrance doors that are closed when submerged at high tide.