29/10/2026
A new species of trapdoor spider has been identified in Mauritius! 🕷️
Working alongside our partners in Mauritius, we’ve formally identified a remarkable new species of the Mauritian Tidal Trapdoor Spider, Idioctis marevallum.
Living in the intertidal zone, this species' home is completely submerged at high tide. To survive, it shelters in tubes of coralline bedrock, thought to be created by molluscs thousands of years ago. It seals the entrance with a trapdoor made of silk, sand and algae, protecting itself from the elements.
Our Restoration Manager, Nik Cole was part of the team behind the discovery and recalls:
“The thing I remember most is Max screaming at me to come over because he’d just seen a mygalomorph - a trapdoor spider. I couldn’t believe something from the same group as tarantulas could be living in a place like this.
“I was up all night, holding my phone in the air trying to get a signal and searching for any evidence of a spider like this in Mauritius. At first, we thought we might have found Tigidia mauriciana, which was first described in 1892 and had only ever been detected once.
“To discover this was actually a new species, after decades of night-time reptile surveys on these islands, was incredibly exciting.”
The species has been named Idioctis marevallum, with marevallum derived from the Latin for “sea wall”. A fitting name for a spider adapted to life at the meeting point of land and sea.
We’re incredibly proud to share this discovery, which highlights the importance of long-term conservation, collaboration and the dedication of those working to save species from extinction.
