Very defensive L.parahybana

[Mike Shaw]

I wonder if anyone can help me.My L.parahybana is very defensive(surprise surprise ) the only trouble is it seems to have worn 2 furrows in its abdomen.
I wonder if this is normal and ok.

I appreciate any advice.
Cheers Mike.

[Mark Pennell]

Hi Mike
Completely normal this happens to all the species with urticating hairs. These hairs are dislodged when the spider rubs its back legs over the abdomen, the stiff hairs and spines basically comb the hairs off.

In certain species you get a round bold patch almost straight away others you will get the pattern you have.

Cheers
Mark

[Mike Shaw]

Excellent news,

Thanx Mark.

[Neil Richardson]

It can proove useful if you're trying to determine if a spider is premoult. The pink in those scratches will darken, and turn black as a spider approaches a moult, over a course of several weeks.

[Mike Shaw]

Thanx for that tidbit Neil,

cheers Mike

[Neil Richardson]

Couple of pics of an A.geniculata with a bald spot, going premoult.

Links as they are big images

One

Two

Three

Four

There's 6 days from the first picture, to the last one.

[Mike Shaw]

Hi Neil,what a lovely A.geniculata.

I can definately see the darkening as the t approaches moult.

cheers Mike.