The female spiders are larger than the males who have longer legs than the females. The female builds an egg sac of tightly-woven silk n a sheltered part of the cave and the spiderlings emerge after 8-10 months. These spiders are thought to live for many years. Caves are not isolated underground sanctuaries and are linked to the surface. Any disruption to the environment above ground will deteriorate the caves. Rubbish dumping, water pollution and land clearing all impact on the health of the underground. (References – The Australian Museum & Australian Cave Animal of The Year)