Ravine Trapdoor Spider

The Ravine Trapdoor Spider (Cycloscosmia truncate), is one of the rarest, most unique-looking spiders in Georgia. As suggested by its name, it frequently opts to construct its burrow in ravines. It belongs to the genus Cyclocosmia, which means "adorned with a circle" in Greek.

The disk of a female ravine trapdoor spider is about 16 millimeters broad and around 28 millimeters long. Their unique disk-shaped abdomen is referenced in their scientific name. Their disks are made up of a circle of grooves on the exterior that joins to form an asymmetrical shape in the center. The disk is light grey, the remainder of their body a glossy light or dark brown. Ravine trapdoor spiders defend themselves from predators by using the disk on their abdomens to block their prey. Similarly, they use sit-and-wait tactics to prey on insects that venture too close to their burrows.