Idiosoma berlandi

Fact Box Species: Idiosoma berlandi (or a closely related species; identification as shown in notes below) Previous species name: Aganippe berlandi Family: Idiopidae formerly Ctenizidae Body length: female: 24-30 mm male: 12-20 mm Habitat: In a burrow in the ground, probably with a door on top Toxicity: Uncertain; handle with caution

Female from above Female eye pattern

The identity of this spider is based on a taxonomic key provided by Raven and Wishart in 2005. This spider clearly has the following: the eyes in three rows (2-2-4) with the first two pairs close together and a much wider posterior row of four, plus a pair of clearly visible sigilla (pale pits) on the dorsal abdomen. These characters identify this spider as being an Idiosoma species, the only other idiopid genus with the same eye arrangement being Eucyrtops, which is believed to be restricted to Western Australia. The specimen shown above found came from a location close to the Queensland-NSW border but Ramon Mascord in his 1980 spider booklet shows a matching photo labelled Aganippe berlandi and allegedly found west of Parkes in Central NSW so it appears possible that the range of Idiosoma berlandi extends from South Queensland to Victoria. On this basis the spider shown above is presumed to be Idiosoma berlandi or a very similar and perhaps undescribed species.

This spider lives in a burrow in the ground with a plug-like door on top. Males probably are only found during autumn and early winter and after periods of rain as they wander in search of burrows containing females of the same species.

Known Range: Recorded as being present in the Darling Downs region of South Queensland down into Central NSW.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Euoplos species and Euoplos variabilis (especially for the male).