Armored trapdoor spider

A segmented trapdoor spider: Liphistius belongs to Mesothelae, the oldest living spider lineage, and is neither a tarantula nor a 'true' spider (it is filed with the true spiders in this app). Very little is published on keeping it, so this sheet sticks to what keepers report. The thing that matters is the substrate: a damp, clay-based mix (about 25-40% clay with topsoil and/or coco fiber) that holds together well enough to take a burrow and a hinged door. They dig badly and do not survive without a burrow, so give several starter holes. Once settled in a good burrow they are hardy. Expect to see a door and silk tripwires, not the spider.