Angelina Jolie trapdoor spider facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Angelina Jolie trapdoor spider |
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| Female specimen | |
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| Male specimen | |
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Aptostichus
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| Species: |
angelinajolieae
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The Angelina Jolie trapdoor spider (scientific name: Aptostichus angelinajolieae) is a special kind of spider. These spiders are active at night. They are known for jumping out of their burrows to catch prey and then injecting them with venom.
This spider was discovered by a professor named Jason Bond in 2008. He named it after the famous American actress Angelina Jolie. He did this to honor her important work with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, which helps people who have had to leave their homes. Until 2012, this spider was one of only seven known species in its group. Later, many more were discovered, including the Bono's Joshua Tree trapdoor spider.
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How to Identify the Angelina Jolie Trapdoor Spider
It can be tricky to tell the Angelina Jolie trapdoor spider apart from other similar spiders. This is because they look very much alike. However, scientists can identify them by looking at their unique mitochondrial DNA. This special DNA acts like a barcode, showing exactly which species a spider belongs to.
Where the Spider Lives
The Angelina Jolie trapdoor spider lives in the northern part of Monterey County, California. It is mostly found in the Santa Lucia Range, which is a mountain area west of the Salinas Valley. The Salinas Valley acts like a natural wall, stopping these spiders from spreading further.
This spider prefers to live in chaparral forests and shrub areas. You won't find it in sandy coastal dunes. Another spider, Aptostichus stephencolberti, lives in those dune areas and is lighter in color.
Spider Homes
Female Angelina Jolie trapdoor spiders are often seen on road cuts and on damp, shady, steep banks. They build shallow burrows (holes in the ground). These burrows have a thin trapdoor made of silk and soil. Inside, the burrow is lined with white silk, making a cozy retreat for the spider.
Spider Family Tree
The Salinas Valley acts as a natural barrier, which means the Angelina Jolie trapdoor spider doesn't mix its genes with other Aptostichus species. This makes it a unique group of spiders.
This spider belongs to a group called the Atomarius Sibling Species Complex. This group includes other closely related spiders like A. atomarius, A. dantrippi, A. miwok, A. stanfordianus, and A. stephencolberti.
Is the Spider Endangered?
Good news! The Angelina Jolie trapdoor spider is not considered to be a threatened species. It is found in many places within its home range and there are lots of them. It can even live well in moderately developed residential areas. This means its conservation status is stable.
Images for kids
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91–93 – male paratype. 91 – retrolateral aspect right leg I. 92 – prolateral aspect right leg I. 93 – retrolateral aspect pedipalp. 94 – cleared spermathecae, female holotype.
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See also
In Spanish: Aptostichus angelinajolieae para niños
