Deffinatley a moult due very soon

[Louise~Nichols]

Congrats there Andrew! They do seem to change size dramatically at this stage, and the legs get hairier/more bushy in appearance by the moult. The Smithi's were the first spiders I grew up with, so they've been around me literally all of my life, from my toddlerhood all the way to my own children's growing up!
The Smithi are a great bunch to work with, always eating well right upto moult, and generally a quick recovery afterwards. I'm glad you're enjoying yours so much, as I have such a soft spot for them too.

[Andrew Ferguson]

Thanks Louise. I'm itching to get the skin out to have a look but Smiffy seems to be snuggling upto it. The size difference is amazing and the colouration looks stunning. Once its up and about I'll hopefully get a good picture.

p.s. Is it still too young to determine if its a boy or girl or is that determined upon its moult into a mature adult?

[Louise~Nichols]

Thanks Louise. I'm itching to get the skin out to have a look but Smiffy seems to be snuggling upto it. The size difference is amazing and the colouration looks stunning. Once its up and about I'll hopefully get a good picture.

p.s. Is it still too young to determine if its a boy or girl or is that determined upon its moult into a mature adult?

Awwww, that sounds so cute! A "T" with a comfort blanket. I'll look forward to seeing your photos.

I tend to sex from around 5cm legspan (you don't have to wait for adulthood), but always follow that up with checks on the following moults too.
The males always lack the somewhat flowery reproductive structure that the females grow, but in young females, the structure can be barely visible, which can get them mistaken for male until they have grown larger and subsequent skins can be checked.

[Richard Shah]

All this is fantastic news; I hope IC is alright and will follow in Smiffy's steps, if he hasn't already!!!

[Andrew Ferguson]

The males always lack the somewhat flowery reproductive structure that the females grow, but in young females, the structure can be barely visible, which can get them mistaken for male until they have grown larger and subsequent skins can be checked.

Well I got the skin out and had a good look but the abdomen has shrivelled. So I'll have to wait until the next moult.
Smiffy almost seems to have doubled in size and the colouring is just wonderful. The abdomen is jet black with beautifully coloured hairs dotted all over. It actually looks like a miniature adult now.

[Louise~Nichols]

That's fabulous news Andrew! Smiffy is sounding absolutely gorgeous.
It's certainly the problem with the smaller skins...they do shrivel and distort very easily, then tear when you try to open them...next time lucky, maybe!! lol