Home / Science / Rare 'Citrine Trapdoor' Spider Rediscovered After 30 Years
Rare 'Citrine Trapdoor' Spider Rediscovered After 30 Years
24 Aug
Summary
- Teyl luculentus, a rare arachnid, had not been sighted in 30 years
- Scientists Dr Leanda Mason and Professor Kingsley Dixon discovered one outside their lab
- The discovery happened in a remnant scrub near the University of Western Australia
On August 24th, 2025, scientists at the University of Western Australia made an extraordinary discovery right outside their laboratory. Dr Leanda Mason and Professor Kingsley Dixon unearthed a rare 'citrine trapdoor' spider, Teyl luculentus, in a remnant scrub near the Shenton Park field station in suburban Perth.
The citrine trapdoor, known for its small size, glossy sheen, and bright orange or yellow gem-like appearance, had not been sighted in the wild for almost three decades. "For almost 50 years I have worked in this bushland and who would have thought such an extraordinary discovery would happen right on our doorstep, literally at the front door to the laboratory," said Professor Dixon.
This unexpected sighting has generated immense excitement among the environmental science community. The rediscovery of this elusive arachnid provides valuable insights into the biodiversity of the region and the importance of preserving even the most obscure species.
