Info regarding drumming?

[Mandy Green]

Hi all

Just wanted to ask another question if ok? My mexican red knee tarantula ( brachypelma smithi) started drumming one of his legs yesterday intermittently. So loud it made my dog start barking as she thought it was the front door!! LOL!
Does this mean he is definitely a male? ( I never got it confirmed except from the pet shop when I got him but it is in doubt) He moulted approx 6 weeks ago ( unfortunately this did not come off in tact and I could not sex him) and laid a fine web on the ground before this , but I cannot see any sperm web which I understand can follow or precede this type of behaviour. Is this like a mating call?
Sorry I am still a beginner - my first T!!

Many Thanks for any replies!

[Mark Pennell]

Hi all

Just wanted to ask another question if ok? My mexican red knee tarantula ( brachypelma smithi) started drumming one of his legs yesterday intermittently. So loud it made my dog start barking as she thought it was the front door!! LOL!
Does this mean he is definitely a male? ( I never got it confirmed except from the pet shop when I got him but it is in doubt) He moulted approx 6 weeks ago ( unfortunately this did not come off in tact and I could not sex him) and laid a fine web on the ground before this , but I cannot see any sperm web which I understand can follow or precede this type of behaviour. Is this like a mating call?
Sorry I am still a beginner - my first T!!

Many Thanks for any replies!

Mandy
Sounds like you have a mature male there, look for hooks on the underside of the front legs, also the pedipalps will have an boxing glove appearence to them. He will be long legged and lighter bodied than he was before.

Cheers
Mark

[Nicola Dolby]

Wait until you've got three or four males all at it. Its great at night when they all start and you've got crickets chirping in accompaniment. I use two types of cricket so there's the different chirping sounds as well. It's better than a steel band! Sadly males don't live that long and most of mine are gone now, but I thought I'd let you know about the fun you're in for.

[Mark Lynes]

I've got a recently moulted female if he fancies some action
BTS rules.

Mark.

[Mandy Green]

Hi Mark

Where would I find a set of these rules you mention. Just wanted to have a look- not 100% sure that I would send him off yet but thought I would check it out and would consider it - at least he would have a bit of fun before the inevitable? I am right in thinking that once he mates that he dies soon after that? is that right?
Many thanks for info also!!!
Mandy

[lee smith]

some live can live 6 months+ after maturing and mating and can mate many times if they are lucky enough, th BTS rules are if there is a resulting eggsack you are entitled to 50% of the spiderlings.

[Mark Lynes]

Yep, Lee is absolutely correct. half of any offspring my female produced would be yours.

Think about it, shame to let him go to waste.

Mark

[Mandy Green]

Thanks for the info. I have given it some thought and I have decided to keep him as he is. Could not bear to send him away and anything happen to him in transit. I know it sounds silly and soppy! Sorry!! I will still give i thought in the future though when I get others! ( but do not tell my husband that - I think he is hoping no more after this one!!!!).
Many Thanks!