Determining sex from moulted skin

[Jane Mitchell]

Our L Para moulted about a month ago and we've just managed to salvage the moulted skin from the back of it's hide. We've sprayed it with water to flatten the legs out but at the moment the abdomen is just shrivelled skin and we would really like to know what's sex it is (we've always called it Mikey but have a sneaky suspicion it might be a Michaela!)

Can any give us tips on how best to do it or ......

Would anyone be willing to have a look if we bought the skin to the BTS Expo in a couple of weeks??

Jane

[craig mcinnes]

Try this nonsense http://www.arachnophiles.co.uk/forum...ead.php?t=5442

[Jane Mitchell]

Thanks Craig,

Just had a go but unfortunately the skin didn't survive being sat on for 3 weeks. The abdomen was pretty much in tatters, right where we needed to look. Better luck next time!

[Colin D Wilson]

You could still possible see the bit you need with a scope (after a bit of shifting around) if you still have the skin then bring it and pass it onto someone at the show who has a scope and they could PM you the details.
I dont mind having a go if you want to either post it or try catch me at the BTS

[Yvonne Woolley]

It really is not at all difficult but you are better with 1 good light. 2 some form of magnification, And 3 I use a tiny drop of washing liquid as a wetting agent in the tepid water to moisten the moult. 4 two fine implements such as the blunt end of a long needle .I must admit my eyes are really getting lousy ( age I am afraid ) and I do use a usb microscope, and if you need them good poly gloves. also I find good fine tweezers a big help. If you are coming to the XPO I will show you how. Its much better that describing it.

[Jane Mitchell]

Thanks Colin & Yvonne,

We are planning to come to the expo so I'll bring what's left of the skin.

See you there!

[Ray Hale]

Im sure Richard Gallon will have his microscope. he will soon tell you.

Cheers

Ray

[Mike Conabeer]

For any members in the Birmingham/West Midlands area I can offer skin sexing at the shop if interested.

Contact me on either 01213734990 or via e-mail at mike@serpents-web.co.uk for more details.

Mike.