Trapdoor and funnel web spiders both live in burrows and display some of the same types of behavior, so the two are often mistaken for one another.
Funnel web spiders tend to inhabit moist environments, such as forests or wetlands. They appear dark brown or black in color and can be up to 1-1/2 inches. These spiders are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. The females create funnel-shaped webs, which are narrower at one end, and connect them to their burrow. The spider hides in the narrow end of the funnel, and when it feels a vibration from the web, it hurries to grab the invading prey.
Some types of funnel web spiders can cause harm to humans if bitten, one in particular is the hobo spider, which can cause tissue damage similar to the brown recluse. Other symptoms of funnel-web spider bites can include pain, vomiting, or disorientation.
Like the funnel web spider, the trapdoor spider awaits prey in a burrow. It creates a unique burrow of silk, and camouflages it with soil and plants. The spider awaits its prey by hanging on to the underside of the door. When the spider is alerted to a nearby insect, it will jump out and attack.
Among both the trapdoor and funnel web spiders, the males will leave the burrow in search of mates, while the females rarely venture out, but stay behind to await prey. The females of both species also can lay hundreds of eggs at one time.
Trapdoor spiders are also nocturnal and can be found in most areas of the world.