Heptathela is a genus of spiders that includes the Kimura spider (Heptathela kimurai). They are trapdoor spiders of the family Liphistiidae and are found in Japan, including Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands.[1] Spiders of this genus lack venom glands.[2]
Females are up to 25 mm long, males slightly smaller. Burrows have an oval shaped door which is hinged across the long diameter.[3]
The genus name is derived from Ancient Greek hepta "seven", referring to the number of spinneret glands.
Many of the species formerly placed in this genus have been transferred to other genera in the family Liphistiidae, including Sinothela, Songthela and Vinathela.[1]
This is the genus of spider referenced by Vincent Price in the introduction to Alice Cooper's The Black Widow on his Welcome to my Nightmare album.[citation needed]