Curly Hair Dark Spot

[Trystan Potter]

Hey all,

I have recently bought my first tarantula, a curly hair sling, he has just moulted (his 2nd ever moult i believe, possible his 1st) and he has a very dark (almost black) spot on his abdomen, i was wondering whether that is normal?

I also plan on buying the book by Robert Schulz, i think thats his name. Ive read A LOT about them etc etc!

Also another question, i know a lot of slings die, but at what point in their life span do they usually die at? Is it during the first 5 moults? Before the first or 2nd?

Thanks

[Mark Pennell]

Re: Curly Hair Dark Spot

Hey all,

I have recently bought my first tarantula, a curly hair sling, he has just moulted (his 2nd ever moult i believe, possible his 1st) and he has a very dark (almost black) spot on his abdomen, i was wondering whether that is normal?

I also plan on buying the book by Robert Schulz, i think thats his name. Ive read A LOT about them etc etc!

Also another question, i know a lot of slings die, but at what point in their life span do they usually die at? Is it during the first 5 moults? Before the first or 2nd?

Thanks

Trystan
This is normal; this dark patch is the tarantulas urticating hairs. These hairs are found on new world species, they are easily detached and are used in their defence.

They are kicked off by the back legs into the face of the attacker.

As for dying, main cause of fatalities in young spiders is improper care. However they are most vulnerable at this early stage of life.

I generally find if I can get 3 or more moults out of spiderlings without losing them then they are pretty robust and generally make it all the way.

Cheers
Mark

[Trystan Potter]

Re: Curly Hair Dark Spot

Hey all,

I have recently bought my first tarantula, a curly hair sling, he has just moulted (his 2nd ever moult i believe, possible his 1st) and he has a very dark (almost black) spot on his abdomen, i was wondering whether that is normal?

I also plan on buying the book by Robert Schulz, i think thats his name. Ive read A LOT about them etc etc!

Also another question, i know a lot of slings die, but at what point in their life span do they usually die at? Is it during the first 5 moults? Before the first or 2nd?

Thanks

Trystan
This is normal; this dark patch is the tarantulas urticating hairs. These hairs are found on new world species, they are easily detached and are used in their defence.

They are kicked off by the back legs into the face of the attacker.

As for dying, main cause of fatalities in young spiders is improper care. However they are most vulnerable at this early stage of life.

I generally find if I can get 3 or more moults out of spiderlings without losing them then they are pretty robust and generally make it all the way.

Cheers
Mark

Hey,

Thanks for your reply Mark, yea i did suspect that it was the patch for their hairs, im surprised i forgot to mention what i suspected it to be...

How about living conditions as I have heard various comments, some people say dry, some people say damp, anybody with first hand experience? I guess its best to match their natural habitat as best as you can?

[sarah Smith]

I keep mine mainly dry with the occasional damp patch put into the tank, slings will get almost all of their moisture needs from their food.

[Ian Metcalfe]

What are you keeping your albop in ? if it is a film pot a little dribble of water down the side when you feed it would be plenty .

[Trystan Potter]

Im keeping it in a small plastic tub, similar to those you get your chinese takeaway in and what you usually buy your crickets in...There is a film tub inside this though and some moss for cover! I carefully spray the sides of it once a week or so!

(s)He has made a burrow under the moss! Its awesome!

[Simon Batten]

Im quite intrested in this thread because I am just getting a curly haired spiderling

[Adam Smith]

Well as a newcomer you seem to have everything right as your first spider really. As for the book you are referring to it is well worth investing in and is an all time best though in some ways dated with as far as taxonomics and species availability is concerned but other than that it is great as the staple of your library as im sure you will ad more books in time. As for Simon a curly hair is a great T to have hardy and easy to keep no too many complications and for curly hairs they are fast growing compared to other Brachypelmas. Mine matured in 2 years I had it and was likely nearly a year old. Having said this I fed it a lot so that maybe why it matured so quick, either way it was passed on for breeding.