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Doe And Hope
Tel07729 213013Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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+44 7729 213013
Taxidermy Trapdoor Spider Rare Nests
Comprising one spider in a small trapdoor nest, four longer and vacant nests, and three other nest sections with fourteen nest lids, and additional hand written original paper label reading “Nest of Trapdoor Spider, Ladysmith Natal, 1897, fam. Theraphosidae, Cyrtocarenum rufidens”.
Each nest, made of soil, vegetation and silk, has its lid in tact, and the general condition of each is good. The spider specimen is firmly wedged into position in the smallest nest, and we have not tried to disturb him!
The most ancient of living spiders, the trapdoor spider can be found in warm countries such as Japan, Africa, South America and North America and is closely related to the scorpion family. The trapdoor is difficult to see when it is closed because the plant and soil materials effectively camouflage it and it is hinged on one side with silk.
The spiders, which are usually nocturnal, typically wait for prey while holding on to the underside of the door and capture insects, other arthropods, or small vertebrates when they disturb the 'trip' lines the spider lays out around its trapdoor. The spider detects the prey by vibrations and, when it comes close enough, leaps out of its burrow to make the capture. Watch a trapdoor spider in action via this video with David Attenborough
These nests were collected just a couple of years prior to the Battle of Ladysmith which was one of the early engagements of the Second Boer War in South Africa. With the added bonus of a bona fide date, this is a very hard to find collection of fascinating natural history truly deserving a place in any cabinet of curiosities of merit.
SellerDoe And Hope
View all stock from
Doe And Hope
Private dealer, By appointment only
The Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL
Tel : 07729 213013
Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013
Get directions to Doe And Hope
Each nest, made of soil, vegetation and silk, has its lid in tact, and the general condition of each is good. The spider specimen is firmly wedged into position in the smallest nest, and we have not tried to disturb him!
The most ancient of living spiders, the trapdoor spider can be found in warm countries such as Japan, Africa, South America and North America and is closely related to the scorpion family. The trapdoor is difficult to see when it is closed because the plant and soil materials effectively camouflage it and it is hinged on one side with silk.
The spiders, which are usually nocturnal, typically wait for prey while holding on to the underside of the door and capture insects, other arthropods, or small vertebrates when they disturb the 'trip' lines the spider lays out around its trapdoor. The spider detects the prey by vibrations and, when it comes close enough, leaps out of its burrow to make the capture. Watch a trapdoor spider in action via this video with David Attenborough
These nests were collected just a couple of years prior to the Battle of Ladysmith which was one of the early engagements of the Second Boer War in South Africa. With the added bonus of a bona fide date, this is a very hard to find collection of fascinating natural history truly deserving a place in any cabinet of curiosities of merit.
Price The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 28/MAY/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Phone or visit the website to buy, Free UK shipping.
DimensionsLengths Ranging from 2.25 inches to 7.5 inches
Category Antique Taxidermy
Date c.1897
Late Victorian Antiques Origin African
Condition Very Good.
Item code as155a357
Status Sold
£245.00 
$329.08 
€282.56 
$
€
Conversion rates as of 28/MAY/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Phone or visit the website to buy, Free UK shipping.
View all stock from
Doe And Hope
Private dealer, By appointment onlyThe Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL
Tel : 07729 213013
Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013
Get directions to Doe And Hope
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