Sexual Maturity

[Richard Harper]

Hi Guys,

I'm a bit curious about the sexual maturity of some of my female T's. Here is my question to those breeding enthusiasts.

At what age and/or size do the following females become sexually mature -

A. Geniculata?
P. Metallica?
E. Cyanognathus?
M. Balfouri?

Thanks

[Peter Roach]

I have found that every species so far that I have checked though examination of the spermatheca (via microscope), have been sexually mature between 2/3 and 3/4 of the stated average adult female size.
Several times in conversation with other longtime hobbyists this topic has come up and it has generally been agreed that tarantulas can and do breed at smaller sizes than many people think.
When the spermatheca is fully sclerotized (dark reddish brown) then the female is able to breed.

[Richard Harper]

Thank you Peter