Hi
I read this on another forum. Is it true? My curly hair t has a red spot on the underside of its abdomen and I'm really worried about it now
THE HERNIA
One peculiar problem afflicts a very pretty species of tarantula from Central America, Brachypelma albopilosa (Plate 4
. It seems that these large, docile tarantulas have a tendency to develop a scab-like lesion on the lower surface of the opisthosoma (Plate 35). It may be in response to abrasion from gravel or other coarse substrate, or may merely be a congenital deformity. Once formed, this lesion grows and eventually ruptures and kills the animal. This rupturing usually occurs during moulting, but the authors know of one instance when the tarantula literally burst from eating too much.
The authors have had some limited experience with this problem, but minimal success in treating it. Other hobbyists who have these animals as pets are encouraged to experiment and report their successes or failures.
In an effort to prevent the development of this condition, it is recommended that the animals be kept on soft, nonabrasive substrates. Soft potting soil of the sort used for African violets, or vermiculite from a florist's shop is recommended. Those animals which are already suffering the condition should definitely be moved to such a substrate.
I read this on another forum. Is it true? My curly hair t has a red spot on the underside of its abdomen and I'm really worried about it now

THE HERNIA
One peculiar problem afflicts a very pretty species of tarantula from Central America, Brachypelma albopilosa (Plate 4

The authors have had some limited experience with this problem, but minimal success in treating it. Other hobbyists who have these animals as pets are encouraged to experiment and report their successes or failures.
In an effort to prevent the development of this condition, it is recommended that the animals be kept on soft, nonabrasive substrates. Soft potting soil of the sort used for African violets, or vermiculite from a florist's shop is recommended. Those animals which are already suffering the condition should definitely be moved to such a substrate.
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