diff --git a/tractor/_actor.py b/tractor/_actor.py
index b52ef18..e4a6296 100644
--- a/tractor/_actor.py
+++ b/tractor/_actor.py
@@ -576,9 +576,11 @@ class Actor:
                         # initial handshake, report who we are, who they are
                         await self._do_handshake(chan)
 
-                        self._parent_main_data = await chan.recv()
-                        self.rpc_module_paths = await chan.recv()
-                        self.statespace = await chan.recv()
+                        if self._spawn_method == "trio":
+                            # recieve additional init params
+                            self._parent_main_data = await chan.recv()
+                            self.rpc_module_paths = await chan.recv()
+                            self.statespace = await chan.recv()
 
                     except OSError:  # failed to connect
                         log.warning(