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  • Lifespan and molting

    Ok some more newbie questions for you experts..

    Firstly, is P. Regalis really such a bad choice for a first tarantula?!

    Secondly, how fast can i expect Boris to grow? At the moment is under 2 inches long. But i'm been told mixed things about how fast it will grow.

    Lastly, how often will it molt at this age?

    Thanks guy i appreciate ur help.

    Beck

  • #2
    Hi there,

    I'm a relative beginner myself so there are many people on this forum much better qualified to answer your queries, some of whom are Pokie specialists. I did do a lot of research though before getting my T's and one of the things I learnt was that Poecilotheria sp. in general grow pretty big very fast, are very fast moving and can be quite defensive + their bite can be particularly potent. They are not recommended for beginners. Check out this link for a good guide.



    I always err on the side of caution so got some well known placid sp. to start with but I can see why you would want a Pokie - they are just so beautiful. Follow the sp. care guides, treat it with a healthy respect and don't be tempted to handle it!
    Don't tell the elf!

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    • #3
      Re: Lifespan and molting

      Hi, hope I can help.

      Originally posted by jcbeck23
      Ok some more newbie questions for you experts..

      Firstly, is P. Regalis really such a bad choice for a first tarantula?!
      Well that depends on your keeping philosophy. Are you the sort of keeper who likes to get out spiders to show to friends, hold, photograph and so on? If so, then inexperience and a Poecilotheria are probably not a wise combination. They are fast and nervous rather than specifically aggressive or defensive, but they can still catch you unawares. I spend a lot of time photographing my spiders, and an almost equal time picking them off my shoulder/back/arm leg! This can be very unnerving the first few times it happens.
      If you only ever intend "handling" the spider when transporting it to another tank, there is nothing wrong whatsoever with having a P.regalis as a first spider. Just treat it like a tropical fish - look, but don't touch. Their care needs are not particularly hard to maintain, a moderate degree of humidity and a cork bark shelter will suffice. Do be aware, however, that people who have been bitten often display quite nasty reactions to the venom. I believe there is a P.pederseni bite report on this site somewhere by Ray Gabriel - worth a read!

      Secondly, how fast can i expect Boris to grow? At the moment is under 2 inches long. But i'm been told mixed things about how fast it will grow.
      Poecilotheria in general can grow to 7" mature males in under 12 months, females can become almost full size in around 18 months - though normally it takes a little longer than this. I would say 2 years from Nymph to full size would be a fair average.

      Lastly, how often will it molt at this age?
      Moult records from hatchling to 3" (so around half full size) for a male P.regalis:

      12-09-2003
      Moult occured with no problems.

      22-10-2003
      Moult occured with no problems.

      02-12-2003
      Moult occured with no problems.

      14-01-2004
      Moult occured with no problems.

      27-03-2004
      Moult occurred with no problems.


      Thanks guy i appreciate ur help.

      Beck
      Any time.

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