Citharischius crawshayi hibernation??

[Mark Harrison]

Does anyone know the approx time the pre moult of a Citharischius crawshayi? i assume it is in pre moult as the lid to its burrow has been closed, so apart from the weekly misting theyre has been no sign of T (to be expected).

The Spider in question is approx 2 -2.5 inches and is kept at a temp of between 24 to 30°C. Do fluctuating temperatures affect its moulting times etc? I already am aware they have slow growth times, just unsure on times...unluckily for myself it chose to bury in middle of tank and so cannot see from either side

I already own 2 other baboon sp. and they seem totally different in habits and temperment.

[Michelle Howarth]

Hi Mark

I'm afraid I don't know the timing for this species, but I have a juvie Citharischius crawshayi that's in premoult as well, and it has been taking it's sweet time about it. Some spiders do.

I know sometimes you don't even realise a spider is in premoult, then it shocks the life out of you by flipping onto it's back and there it is brand spanking new in a just a couple of hours. Other spiders will spend up to three months webbed in their hides before finally moulting.

So long as the spider is nice and fat, and has access to water, I wouldn't worry to much, they like to worry us sometimes, but they know what they're doing.

Kind Regards,

Michelle.

[Kurt Baird]

They're pretty slow growing, so I'm guessing they can take a long while.

Mine has never molted in my care, had it about 14 months... :/

[Mrs Linda Street]

Crawshayi from juvenile through to adult generally spend most of their time below ground, sometimes we don't see ours topside for a couple of months, irespective of whether they are in premoult or not. Always make sure they have access to a dish of clean water.

[Mike Mosdell]

My female crawshayi does exactly the same thing but I doubt she is in premoult [though I wish she was!]. She plugs up her burrow entrance all the time and just stays down there for months on end. Last time I saw her out was when I had to transfer her to a new enclosure and now that was a while ago now!