{"product_id":"cyclocosmia-latusicosta-chinese-hourglass-trapdoor","title":"Cyclocosmia latusicosta (Chinese Hourglass Trapdoor)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCyclocosmia latusicosta (Chinese Hourglass Trapdoor Spider)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing else in the hobby that looks like this. The Chinese Hourglass Trapdoor is one of the most bizarre and fascinating spiders available anywhere — and once you see that abdomen, you will understand immediately why hobbyists lose their minds over it. The rear of the abdomen is heavily armored, circular, and disc-shaped, with a hardened plate ringed by backward-facing setae that gives it the unmistakable \"oreo butt\" or \"coin butt\" look that has made this species famous online. That armored disc is not just for show — it is a functional defense shield. When threatened, this spider retreats to the bottom of its burrow and plugs the entrance with its abdomen, the backward-facing setae locking it in place and making it nearly impossible to extract. Native to China, this compact, heavily built trapdoor spider constructs deep burrows capped with a trapdoor lid and spends its entire life perfecting that tunnel. Compact at around 3 inches but absolutely loaded with personality and behavior. Grab this trapdoor spider for sale today if you want the most uniquely adapted burrowing spider in the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy do hobbyists keep Cyclocosmia latusicosta?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Abdomen:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThat circular, coin-shaped, hardened disc on the rear of the abdomen is unlike anything else in the hobby. Called the \"oreo butt\" or \"coin butt\" by hobbyists, it has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. It is the single most recognizable feature of any spider in the trade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDefense Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eWhen discovered in its burrow, this species retreats to the bottom and plugs the entrance with its armored abdomen. The backward-facing setae lock it in place like an anchor. Watching this behavior is one of the most remarkable things you will see from any captive spider.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrapdoor Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eConstructs deep burrows capped with a hinged trapdoor lid built from soil and silk. Given the right substrate and conditions, this natural engineering behavior plays out in full in captivity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eCyclocosmia latusicosta is not a production species. When available it moves fast and may not appear again for a long time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should Cyclocosmia latusicosta be kept?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eReaches around 3 inches. Compact but heavily built, with a uniquely wide, disc-shaped abdomen that is immediately recognizable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eDeep fossorial setup with 6 to 8 inches of substrate minimum. Use a 50\/50 mix of coconut fiber and play sand — this blend holds burrow walls better than straight coco fiber and supports the trapdoor construction this species depends on. Prioritize depth over floor space. A secure lid is non-negotiable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e72 to 78 degrees F. Stable room temperature works well for most keepers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eKeep substrate moist throughout, not just the lower layers. This species needs consistent moisture to maintain burrow integrity. Do not allow the substrate to dry out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eA shallow textured water dish is essential. This species has limited climbing ability and will drown in a standard deli cup or deep water container. Keep the dish shallow, textured, and accessible at substrate level at all times.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eCrickets, roaches, and other feeders sized appropriately to the carapace (head). Feed every 7 to 10 days. Prey should be offered at the burrow entrance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eDefensive and fast when exposed. Will retreat and plug the burrow entrance with its abdomen when threatened. Best treated as a display and observe species.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre there any additional notes or considerations?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStart a burrow:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eWe strongly recommend pre-starting a burrow before introducing the spider. This helps them settle in significantly faster and reduces stress on the animal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate mix matters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThe 50\/50 coconut fiber and play sand mix is not optional for this species. It holds burrow structure better and supports trapdoor construction. Straight coco fiber collapses too easily.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not let it dry out:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eUnlike many fossorial species where a moisture gradient is the goal, this species needs consistent moisture throughout the column. Check regularly and do not let the substrate dry down.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShallow water dish only:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThis species cannot climb well enough to escape a standard water container. A bottle cap or very shallow dish is appropriate for smaller specimens. Never use a deep dish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWild collected specimens:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ePlease note these are wild collected animals. We are very selective about our suppliers and only allow wild collected specimens on species that are not yet established in captive breeding. We obtained this group specifically to attempt captive breeding and are extending that opportunity to other keepers as well. We do not take wild collection lightly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnknown sex:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThese animals have not been sexed. Sex determination on trapdoor spiders is significantly more difficult than on tarantulas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eListing Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese animals are unsexed wild collected specimens. Sex is unknown at this time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Exotics Unlimited USA","offers":[{"title":"2\"","offer_id":53278989353279,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/5828\/7167\/files\/Cyclocosmia_sp..jpg?v=1779997679","url":"https:\/\/exoticsunlimitedusa.com\/products\/cyclocosmia-latusicosta-chinese-hourglass-trapdoor","provider":"Exotics Unlimited","version":"1.0","type":"link"}