Idioctis yerlata, also known as the intertidal trapdoor spider, is a species of mygalomorph spider in the Barychelidae family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1992 by Australian arachnologists Tracey Churchill and Robert Raven. The specific epithet yerlata is an Aboriginal term for ‘oyster’, for the perceived similarity to the door of the spider's burrow.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in coastal eastern Queensland, in intertidal habitat, in mangroves and coral rubble, along suitable beaches from Far North Queensland to Rockhampton. The type locality is Cape Tribulation.

Idioctis yerlata

Behaviour

The spiders construct burrows in mangroves and rock cavities, with entrance doors that are closed when submerged at high tide.<ref name="fasg">

Idioctis yerlata

References

Barychelidae

Endemic fauna of Australia

Spiders of Australia

Arthropods of Queensland

Spiders described in 1992

Taxa named by Tracey Churchill

Taxa named by Robert Raven

Idioctis yerlata