Hello & a question!

[John Stepney]

Firstly, I'm new, so hello!

Secondly, I have a Lasiodora parahybana. When he last shed his skin I noticed he now had hooks underneath his 2 front legs. So I now know he is a mature male? Will he shed again and how long does he have to live? As he is a mature male does he only have a short time to live?

He has begun to go bald again, and I get the impression he will shed soon (next couple of months) as he is acting that way too.

Any answers appreciated

Cheers

John

[Ray Hale]

Hi John,

Male spiders do not usually moult again once mature however it is not unknown. This particualr species does last quite a while after maturity so you should have some time to enjoy it. Males do cease feeding and the abdomens start to shrivel.

I had one that lasted well over 18 months after it had matured.
Ray Hale
BTS

[John Stepney]

Males do cease feeding and the abdomens start to shrivel.

Thanks Ray. That is most probably the case then. I thought it was weird as he used to eat so much before he shed, he would never turn down a meal.

Cheers for the help.

John