
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cyclocosmia ricketti
A Chinese trapdoor spider whose abdomen ends in a flat, hardened disc patterned like an old coin. It digs a deep vertical burrow and plugs the entrance with the disc when threatened. Field records are scarce.
Cyclocosmia ricketti is a trapdoor spider from China, described in 1901 as Halonoproctus ricketti. Its abdomen ends abruptly in a hardened disc reinforced by radial ribs and grooves that resembles an old coin or a seal. When threatened it retreats down the burrow and plugs the entrance with this disc. Females are about 2.8 cm long with a disc some 1.6 cm across, and dig vertical burrows 7-15 cm deep that are silk-lined only at the bottom. They are poor silk spinners and build no web, ambushing prey that passes the burrow entrance instead. In China the species is known by names such as the money trapdoor spider and the severed-abdomen spider, and a Tang-dynasty pharmacopoeia records a burrowing spider of this kind. The venom is weak but bites are painful. Field records are scarce: only six individuals were reported in China between 2000 and 2016. Stock in the pet trade is said to come mainly from breeding in Thailand. There is no established figure for captive temperature or humidity.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Chinese Hourglass Trapdoor Spider lives 10+ years.
The Chinese Hourglass Trapdoor Spider grows to About 2.8cm body length; large specimens exceed 3cm.
Origin
China
Lifespan
10+ years
Size
About 2.8cm body length; large specimens exceed 3cm
Sources: Wikipedia / Wikipedia: Cyclocosmia (genus) / GBIF / World Spider Catalog
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Cyclocosmia ricketti (Pocock, 1901)
Synonyms: Halonoproctus ricketti Pocock, 1901
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Live insects such as crickets
It lives in humid, dark places such as caves, and was long believed unable to survive below 13 C.
In the wild it digs burrows 7-15 cm deep. Use a tall enclosure with deep substrate and leave the burrow undisturbed once it is dug.
It builds no web and ambushes prey passing the burrow entrance. In captivity, offer live insects such as crickets.
Not aggressive; when threatened it withdraws into the burrow and plugs the entrance with its abdominal disc. The venom is described as weak, but bites are painful.
Field records are very scarce, with only six individuals reported in China between 2000 and 2016. Traded animals are said to come mainly from breeding operations in Thailand.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Chinese Hourglass Trapdoor Spider is 10+ years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Chinese Hourglass Trapdoor Spider typically reaches About 2.8cm body length; large specimens exceed 3cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Chinese Hourglass Trapdoor Spider feeds on: Live insects such as crickets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Chinese Hourglass Trapdoor Spider varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026