Tweet
Hi all,
Thanks to a Ms Sylvi Rigden (managed to nick her MM) I've just had the pleasure of watching two rather vigorous specimens of G pulchra getting their "thang" on.
I'm going to keep it all written up and figured this may be a good spot to journal it if I may, as I'm aware there isn't all that much info on t'internet regarding the breeding of this species.
Hope you like the pics and any positive feedback/criticism is of course welcomed!
I've had the female cooling now for some 3 months, feeding more than usual and had given her a larger viv to get used to.
Over the last week I've increased the temp (25-28C) and kept feeding as per usual.
16/01/08 15:00
Prior to introduction I used a chopstick and transferred scent between the pair by rubbing their palps from one to the other, as they hadn't been showing any interest over the last week, no drumming etc. (Tip stole from Schultz)
Male introduced to female viv:
There was little interaction here again, as I considered seperating them the male duly walked over to the female and rested his palps and legs on her carapace, which resulted in a heated entanglement:
Here's a shot from each of the partner's perspective:
Male's (scary)
Female's (cautious)
After a 3-4 min struggle what looks like a viable insertion occurred:
Once the insertion had taken place the male lowered the female slightly, and looked as if to try again but by this point she was having none of it and forceably ejected the male from the viv (she pushed him half up the wall and the male took the hint bolting over the top of the viv and onto my floor, he must've been startled by this as he promptly took this opportunity to defecate on my carpet, cheers Haggle), fangs everywhere.
Once the T's were again individually housed the male resigned himself to sitting cleaning his palps whereas the female looked rather non-plused regarding the whole affair.
It was so exciting seeing these two animals toiling away with one another, and my heart was in my mouth every time I seen the females' huge fangs waving around.
At least an insertion was witnessed, and the two specimens are safe and sound.
I'm thinking of waiting to see if the male creates another spem web before pairing them again, would anyone recommend or advise against this course of action?
Sorry regarding the quality of the pics, but my iPhone only has a 2meg camera (they reduced the ability to make room for the onboard toaster I presume).
Generally the female is on the left, in case anyone is wondering.
As mentioned, any tips or advice are welcomed regarding if and when to pair again, or if anyone has any info on gestation times for this spp that would be appreciated.
Thanks all, wish me luck, I'll keep you posted!
And special thanks to Sylvi and her amorous T Haggle, whom without their contribution would have made this thread not possible
Thanks to a Ms Sylvi Rigden (managed to nick her MM) I've just had the pleasure of watching two rather vigorous specimens of G pulchra getting their "thang" on.
I'm going to keep it all written up and figured this may be a good spot to journal it if I may, as I'm aware there isn't all that much info on t'internet regarding the breeding of this species.
Hope you like the pics and any positive feedback/criticism is of course welcomed!
I've had the female cooling now for some 3 months, feeding more than usual and had given her a larger viv to get used to.
Over the last week I've increased the temp (25-28C) and kept feeding as per usual.
16/01/08 15:00
Prior to introduction I used a chopstick and transferred scent between the pair by rubbing their palps from one to the other, as they hadn't been showing any interest over the last week, no drumming etc. (Tip stole from Schultz)
Male introduced to female viv:
There was little interaction here again, as I considered seperating them the male duly walked over to the female and rested his palps and legs on her carapace, which resulted in a heated entanglement:
Here's a shot from each of the partner's perspective:
Male's (scary)
Female's (cautious)
After a 3-4 min struggle what looks like a viable insertion occurred:
Once the insertion had taken place the male lowered the female slightly, and looked as if to try again but by this point she was having none of it and forceably ejected the male from the viv (she pushed him half up the wall and the male took the hint bolting over the top of the viv and onto my floor, he must've been startled by this as he promptly took this opportunity to defecate on my carpet, cheers Haggle), fangs everywhere.
Once the T's were again individually housed the male resigned himself to sitting cleaning his palps whereas the female looked rather non-plused regarding the whole affair.
It was so exciting seeing these two animals toiling away with one another, and my heart was in my mouth every time I seen the females' huge fangs waving around.
At least an insertion was witnessed, and the two specimens are safe and sound.
I'm thinking of waiting to see if the male creates another spem web before pairing them again, would anyone recommend or advise against this course of action?
Sorry regarding the quality of the pics, but my iPhone only has a 2meg camera (they reduced the ability to make room for the onboard toaster I presume).
Generally the female is on the left, in case anyone is wondering.
As mentioned, any tips or advice are welcomed regarding if and when to pair again, or if anyone has any info on gestation times for this spp that would be appreciated.
Thanks all, wish me luck, I'll keep you posted!
And special thanks to Sylvi and her amorous T Haggle, whom without their contribution would have made this thread not possible
My chap, Macros is a leggy scruffball...but still cute and effective! 
Comment