At a glance the quick version
Females can live 10-15 years in captivity under ideal conditions; some species live up to 10 years or more.
Looks how to spot one
Exoskeleton
These spiders have a shiny, polished-looking carapace and legs, while the abdomen is dull and slightly fuzzy. They are usually black to very dark brown, sometimes with a white heart-shaped patch on the top of the abdomen. They are close relatives of tarantulas but are smaller and less hairy.412
Personality what they are like
Ummidia are generally not aggressive and will often play dead if disturbed from their burrows. They are shy and secretive, spending most of their lives underground. They may deliver painful bites if provoked or mishandled, so handling should be minimised.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
These spiders are not active pets; they spend nearly all their time hidden in their burrows. They do not need exercise or enrichment in the usual sense, but providing naturalistic décor such as leaf litter encourages natural behaviours.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Care is minimal but specific: maintain moderate humidity (60-80%) and temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). Regularly check substrate moisture and cleanliness, and replace substrate if mould develops. Avoid handling; observe through the enclosure.3
Home where they are happiest
Use a tall terrarium with at least 6-8 inches of deep substrate (a mix of soil and sand) to allow burrow construction. Provide leaf litter on top. Maintain humidity and temperature as noted. These spiders are habitat specialists and may become stressed without proper conditions.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Feed live insects such as crickets or roaches every one to two weeks. They have slow metabolisms and eat infrequently. Avoid overfeeding.3
Company who they like around
Trapdoor spiders are solitary and do not need company. They are not suitable for beginners or those wanting interaction. They are not typically dangerous, but some species can deliver painful bites, so handle minimally or not at all.3
The story where it all began
Ummidia trapdoor spiders have been known to science since 1875 when Thorell first described the genus. They are not widely kept as pets compared to tarantulas, and they are less available in the exotic pet trade. Their secretive nature and specialised habitat needs make them a challenge for dedicated enthusiasts rather than casual owners.43
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Trapdoor Spider. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amountsevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeSmall, gentle water changesevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Trapdoor Spider?
Feed your trapdoor spider live insects like crickets or roaches every one to two weeks. Their slow metabolism means they eat infrequently, so avoid overfeeding. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests small amounts daily, but for this species, a weekly or biweekly schedule is more appropriate.3 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Trapdoor Spider eat, and what should it never eat?
They eat live insects such as crickets or roaches. Never feed them dead prey, as they only respond to movement, and avoid overfeeding to prevent health issues.3
How much space does a Trapdoor Spider need?
A tall terrarium with at least 6-8 inches of deep substrate (a mix of soil and sand) is needed for burrow construction. Provide leaf litter on top for natural behavior.3
What temperature, light or water does a Trapdoor Spider need?
Maintain temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C) and moderate humidity of 60-80%. They do not need special lighting, but a shallow water dish with small, gentle weekly water changes is good. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly water testing and filter rinsing in old tank water.3 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Trapdoor Spider's home?
Spot-clean waste as needed and replace substrate if mould develops. Regular checks on moisture and cleanliness are important, but deep cleaning is minimal.3
Can a Trapdoor Spider live with others?
No, trapdoor spiders are solitary and should be housed alone. They do not need company and may become stressed or aggressive with others.3
How long does a Trapdoor Spider live?
They can live between 10 to 15 years with proper care, so be prepared for a long-term commitment.23
Can I handle a Trapdoor Spider?
Handling should be minimised as they are shy and may deliver painful bites if provoked. It's best to observe them through the enclosure rather than handle them.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- desertmuseum.org: nhsd trapdoor spider desertmuseum.orgused for origin, coat or body, best traits, fun fact
- rgodwin5.wixsite.com: spiders rgodwin5.wixsite.comused for origin, length cm, lifespan years, coat or body, colours, temperament, fun fact
- peskylittlecritters.com: do trapdoor spiders make good pets pros and cons peskylittlecritters.comused for lifespan years, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history
- en.wikipedia.org: Ummidia en.wikipedia.orgused for coat or body, colours, history
Checked 2026-11-03. Text is written in our own words from these sources.