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Terra Natura Benidorm Unveils Extraordinary ‘Trapdoor Shield’ Spider And Welcomes Endangered Axolotls

Benidorm / 2 July 2026

Rare Spider With One Of Nature's Most Remarkable Defence Mechanisms Arrives At Costa Blanca Wildlife Park

Terra Natura Benidorm has expanded its popular venomous creatures exhibit with the arrival of one of the world's most unusual spiders, a species capable of using its own body as a living shield against predators. The addition forms part of the park's ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation, education and public awareness.

The new resident, Cyclocosmia latisicosta, is attracting attention from animal experts and visitors alike due to a remarkable survival strategy rarely seen in the natural world. The spider joins an exhibit dedicated to helping visitors better understand misunderstood species while highlighting the importance of biodiversity.

The Spider That Turns Its Body Into A Door

Unlike most spiders, Cyclocosmia latisicosta possesses a highly specialised abdomen that is flat, rigid and perfectly circular. The unusual shape resembles a coin, shield or carved disc and has evolved for a very specific purpose: defence.

When threatened, the spider retreats into its burrow and positions its abdomen over the entrance, effectively sealing itself inside. This natural "living trapdoor" makes it extremely difficult for predators to gain access.

Wildlife specialists describe the adaptation as one of the most ingenious defensive mechanisms found among arachnids. The species spends much of its time hidden underground, making sightings relatively rare even within controlled environments.

New Attraction For Venomous Creatures Exhibit

The specimen is housed individually in a specially designed habitat that recreates the environmental conditions of its natural range.

Park officials say the addition supports their educational mission by introducing visitors to lesser-known species that often suffer from negative public perceptions.

The exhibit aims to:

Increase awareness of lesser-known wildlife
Promote understanding of venomous species
Challenge common myths surrounding spiders and reptiles
Highlight the ecological importance of predator species
Encourage respect for biodiversity and conservation

Terra Natura's venomous creatures zone is one of the park's most popular educational areas, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about species that play vital roles within global ecosystems.

Critically Endangered Axolotls Strengthen Conservation Efforts

Alongside the spider's arrival, Terra Natura Benidorm has also welcomed two new Anderson's axolotls (Ambystoma andersoni), a species considered at serious risk of extinction in the wild.

The park already cared for one specimen and has now expanded its breeding and conservation population under human care.

Native to Mexico, Anderson's axolotls face significant threats from:

Habitat destruction
Water pollution
Climate change
Rising water temperatures
Loss of natural breeding environments

Conservation organisations worldwide continue to warn that amphibians remain among the most threatened groups of animals on the planet.

Climate Change Threat Highlighted

Wildlife experts note that Anderson's axolotls are particularly sensitive to water quality and temperature changes.

As global temperatures continue to rise, many freshwater species face increasing pressure from warming habitats, making conservation breeding programmes increasingly important.

The arrival of the new axolotls allows Terra Natura to strengthen its contribution to international conservation initiatives while helping visitors understand the challenges facing vulnerable amphibian populations.

Conservation At The Heart Of Terra Natura

Terra Natura Benidorm is home to more than 150 species and continues to participate in numerous conservation and environmental education programmes. The park operates using its distinctive "zoo immersion" concept, where barriers are integrated into the landscape to create more natural viewing experiences while promoting animal welfare.

Park officials say both the spider and the axolotls represent the wider message behind modern wildlife conservation: protecting species before they disappear and helping the public understand the role every animal plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

For visitors this summer, the new arrivals offer a chance to see two of the animal kingdom's most fascinating survival stories up close — one armed with a living shield and the other fighting for survival against extinction.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 13–19 July 2026

The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest periods of the year.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Activities

Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.

Popular activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach games and activities

New Seafront Attraction

Visitors are flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's newest photo hotspots.

International Mermaids & Mermen Convention

Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy:

Mermaid performances
Underwater demonstrations
Family activities
Marine conservation workshops
Interactive experiences
Benidorm Cable Ski Celebrates 60 Years

The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.

Celebrations include:

Historical displays
Community events
Tribute to the founders
Anniversary activities continuing throughout the summer
Entertainment & Nightlife
Benidorm's nightlife is in full swing every evening with:
Live tribute shows
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs
Rooftop bars
Live DJs
Sunset boat parties
Summer club events

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Nature & Coastal Walks

The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting walkers with spectacular views over the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do:

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront dining
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Chocolate factory tours
Historic Old Town
Artisan markets
Seafront restaurants
Beach walks
Summer live music

🏟️ La Nucía

Medieval Market Returns

One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:

40 artisan craft stalls
Medieval encampments
Knights and street performers
Traditional music
Fire shows
Children's workshops
Medieval food and drink
Celebrating 321 Years

La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.

Sport & Family Activities

Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:

International training camps
Community fitness sessions
Youth sporting events
Family activities
Outdoor exercise classes

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular activities:

Hiking Puig Campana
Mountain biking
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village visits
La Cala beach
Photography
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre
Beachfront restaurants
Outdoor terraces
Summer shopping offers

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:

Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia
Summer Safety

The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences

Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing
Waterfront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Summer fiestas continue across the Costa Blanca
Outdoor concerts throughout Marina Baixa
More family entertainment during the school holidays
Extended opening hours at attractions
Beach events and evening markets
Live music every night across the region

🌴 Quick Summary

🏖️ Beaches and water sports at full summer capacity
🧜 International Mermaids & Mermen Convention at Aqua Natura
🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski celebrates 60 years
📸 Giant recycled Benidorm letters proving hugely popular
🏰 La Nucía Medieval Market returns with three days of entertainment
🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail continues attracting visitors
👮 Enhanced summer police patrols continue in Altea
🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca
☀️ Peak summer holiday season continues

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.

🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C

🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C

Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.