Tarantula Molt Update August 2023 ft. Harpactira pulchripes

[@aracnidotaxonomy]

Hey, Tom. It's been quite some time since I've posted a comment, but this video definitely deserved one. Good to see all of the growth which has taken place in the room and that they are all doing so well. Truth be told, I can't say that surprises me at all though. I hope you're well. All my best to you, Billy and the kids (including the grand-kids). 😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Glad to have you back, bud! And we are doing great! Hope all is well on your end. :)

[@brandimyhren6317]

There is so many differences In growth and size between species of spiders. Some just aren’t in any hurry to be juveniles. That’s part of the curiosity about keeping tarantulas is watching them grow and change and eat . They’re so cool!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

So true, Brandi!

[@mikepetersen7319]

Freshly moulted Tarantulas are always a pleasure to look at. I totally empathize with you on the G.rosea, I've been growing mine up since 2007 and she still isn't adult. Maybe 1 or 2 molts🙏 but they are one of the most beautiful Tarantulas when they're freshly moulted...espacially the pinkish metallic sheen on the carapace.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

So true, Mike! And I'm envious of your G. rosea. haha They really are stunning.

[@mikepetersen7319]

@@TomsBigSpiders No need to be envious Tom your G.rosea will get there too...someday😉

[@thomasbazin1529]

Hey Tom! Totally agree about the GBB, it's a total blast to watch these grow. I got two sexed slings (♀️&♂️) in March '22 as my first Ts, slightly below 2". Now they're both pushing a good 4", with complete adult colouration - they've been about the same for the last 2 molts at least, just getting bigger and losing the black markings on the abdomen. Tbh, I kinda miss their sling appearance though. That gold colouration was truly amazing. As for their arboreal tendancy: my ♀️ absolutely loves to "do the spiderman", climbing about her arboreal setup, the ♂️ not at all. She's always been doing that so I'm not even concerned. I know a lot of people in the hobby go crazy when they hear you're keeping a GBB in an arboreal setup, but obviously it works. She trips a bit more on the glass than a true arboreal (my C versicolor definitely beats her at it 😂), but nothing worrying in comparison to my mature ♂️ P. sp mascara trying to climb the wall and then sliding down under his own weight. 😂 Cool to see how many molts you're seeing! I hope to see a few more in my small collection of 8 before the end of summer. My P sazimai can definitely get another 1-2 molts this year. Now that they're out of their drab, dull brown stage, I guess they'll start putting on some size. ;-) There's a few more exotic fairs coming up aroung here so maybe I'll expand my collection soon hehe. 🤫 Cheers mate, keep up the good work!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

How's it going, Thomas! It really is! I'm almost going to be sad when mine gets her adult colors, as I adore the phases they go through as slings. And yours are getting quite large! Yeah, there are photos of them in the wild off the ground and in brush and on trees. I don't know why folks get so uptight about giving them a few extra inches of height. haha Be sure to let me know if you pick up anything cool! Have a great weekend, and thanks for always taking the time to comment!

[@MOONOVERMIAMI]

Hello great video information and updates Tom

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Moon!

[@DoorsToHideBehind156]

My one and only tarantula is my rose hair. She is about 13 years old and my dad bought her as an adult. We originally had two rose hairs that were in a 10 gallon divided tank. One day when my dad went to feed them the divider slipped about an inch and he came home to 1 rose hair. Her name is Natasha and my dad passed away in 2018 so she became mine and I love her very much. She is so sentimental to me because of the memories I have with my dad where we handled her together and it's a memory I forever cherish and am reminded of him every time I look at her.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awwwww...what an awesome story. I'm so glad that you have her.

[@darcystcorner2580]

“There are tarantula and then there are pokies” Love that statement because it’s so true. The first time I saw a pokies I was like nope don’t like those.😂😂😂😂 here I am 17 pokies later and they are by far my favorite genus. Really enjoyed this update video

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Darcy! I was the same way! I saw a picture of one and said, "Oh, hell no." haha Now I adore them. They are just so regal and misunderstood! Thank you!

[@wastelandsniper789]

It's crazy how much tarantulas can change color from molt to molt. Glad to see some healthy and happy tarantulas after molts. I'm looking forward to juvie and adult molts. All five of mine are slings so their molts are all very small. I did have a sort of surprise molt with my T. seladonia recently. I kind of figured a molt was coming since it stopped eating, but it decided to cocoon itself in webbing and moss (that's right, no trap door yet for some reason). I was looking in the enclosure trying to gauge whether or not it had moved and just barely noticed what looked like a tiny molt off to the side. And that's exactly what it turned out to be. I'm a bit worried it hasn't seemed to want to come out of its cocoon or eat, but I'm trying to be patient. I can see that it has changed position occasionally so I know it's not dead. Hopefully it will come out and build an actual trap door soon.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

It really is, and it's one of the fun parts of keeping them! And congrats on your T. seladonia molt; that's awesome! I hope that she builds that trap door for you soon!

[@didisaythat4230]

Wow, that Borneo Black looks amazing. I really enjoyed this video. I have a little molt updade, myself. My regalis that came to me with only 7 legs, had since been molting a gimped and non functioning leg. Not just smaller... it kept regenerating bad legs. I was just about to try and perform an amputation of the limb to try and regenerate a good leg from zero, when i fed it about a month ago and it had removed the leg on its own. Not only was i happy to see it obviously agreed that amputation was the correct option, but i didnt have to do it myself. Today i found the regalis up in the top corner of the enclosure inside a brand new hamock that it made. And chilling with it was a molt and it brand new functioning limb. Im so happy. Its the first time ive seen my regalis with all 8 and functioning legs. I used to look at my regalis and wonder how Tom's P. Formosa is holding up.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm so glad that I was actually able to catch her out. Yeah, they will usually cast the legs off on their own if the limb is becoming too much of a problem. Glad to hear that she's back to 8! As for the P. formosa, it's not good. I'm putting a video together now on her. She passed away last month, two years after the first bad molt. She finally regained all of her legs back, ate a couple of times, and then took a downturn. She was around 10 at this point, so I think that the extra molts she had to repair damage the past two years of her life probably brought her to the end of her lifecycle.

[@didisaythat4230]

@@TomsBigSpiders I'm sorry to hear that. But it's actually amazing when you think about it. She still lived an entire life of molt cycles, and died at 10 with all 8 legs and both pedipalps. That's a huge dub if you ask me. You really can't ask for more.

[@1968tmb]

Great visi! They are all lovely...but man, is Nicky gorgeous!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Isn't she a looker? :) Thank you!

[@nonesoherpetological8974]

Recently picked up a 2.5-3 inch P. miranda. Really enjoying it and pray it's female. Also have ornata, regalis, and rufilata slings. Gotta collect them all.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha It's so true!

[@chrisobt]

Thx for the update. Wonderful spiders as always and my personal highlights were "Nicki", G. rosea and phormingochilus arboricola! ❤️ Stunning to see them. Stay save Tom and have a great weekend! Greetings Chris

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Chris! I'm SO glad that I got footage of that P. arboricola! I thought that I was going to have to leave her off. Thanks so much, and you have a great weekend as well!

[@georgecardiff1946]

Fantastic video Tom and every species featured in superb condition, credit to you Tom for such wonderful tarantula keeping.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, George! Always appreciated!

[@JeffR.-ne4zg]

Thank you Tom for your reply. I shall keep you posted! I’m sincerely hoping it’s not my error that has caused the slower growth of my P. atrichromatis. I have a P auratus as well that is currently buried and in process of getting much larger and molts regularly. I acquired the atrichromatis in Jan of 2022 from Fearnot. First molt I have documented was Feb 2022 then May 24 2022. After that I didn’t witness a molt or see evidence of one till 5-14-23 and again on 7-23-23. I used to keep my collection on a bookshelf in my living room but as my collection has grown and increased (21 tarantulas and two Linothele plus two random, unidentified spiders I’ve found in my home) I’ve since dedicated a small room to them. I keep the AC vent dialed back in there and they are kept in the low to mid 80’s now. I’m in Phoenix and I try for middle 70’s in my home during summer. Might it have been temperature related? All my spiders are kept and fed in a similar way and are growing and spidering along seemingly well. Thank you again for all your great videos!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

It definitely could be temperature related, although those are pretty good temps for growth. Sometimes, you just get slower growing spiders. I've had some specimens that were supposed to be fast growing (looking at you L. parahybana) that grew much more slowly than average.

[@BuinidhMoChridheDoAlba]

Nicki is looking amazing. I have 3 chalcodes slings, long way to go 🤣 But recieved an AF Aphonopelma Gabeli today, can't wait until she molts. She arrived a bit skinny and scruffy looking, probably from being bred. My GBB juvi has a branch thing, and set up home at the top, she never comes down, we just gave her both options and she made her choice

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you! She's definitely a looker! And congrats on the A. gabeli...that's awesome! Yeah, they can be found off of the ground in the wild. haha

[@archetype9018]

Sometimes i think the Phormictopus species come from some kind of crazy ,colour palette' pigment experiment. 🤔 😂 The Borneo black looks really stunning, she knows how to impress!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Right? They just go through so many crazy color changes! And she sure does!

[@sharonbrecker9194]

I noticed ur Chromatis molting last video but found it a Lil suspect that you wouldn't know as you are on top of ur T's so I didn't mention it . I knew you would have to know lol. All my t's have been molting my 3 gbb slings I got last October all 3 are female so I feel blessed, lol. Your Nikki looks so much like my Delilah love the A chalcodes 100%. Been loving your videos. Keep up the great information, I learn something new every time I watch a new video of yours. Thank you.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Sharon! Yeah, I was going to comment on it, but I figured that I'd see who caught it. haha Love the name Dililah! Thank you so much for watching, commenting, and for the kind words!

[@discospiders]

I have 8 different species of Phormictopus, and sp. blue isn’t one of them….unless it’s the same as sp Rose Blue! It definitely is a confusing genus! I love them all though! Nothing beats the Dominican purple, as far as color goes! Absolutely stunning!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I feel the same way. It's always such a crap shoot to see what they look like as adults! haha

[@joewwilliams]

Your gbb looks a couple molts behind mine. Their sling/juvenile coloration is awesome! I almost don't want mine to grow up.😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I hear you, Joe! These sling colors are amazing!

[@DraykoDog]

I know Phormictopus species is a hot mess, but I'm here for it! 😂 I have several now, and it's so fun to see the colors change each time they molt.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Me too, bud! haha I'm the same way!

[@wolvesdefender3771]

Tom, how hard is to get the philippine tangerine about 1.5. Thank you love the channel. Do you still have book

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! The slings tend to sell out rather quickly, so it can be difficult to find a well started juvenile.

[@JeffR.-ne4zg]

Hi Tom! I’ve got a P. atrichromatis that is one of my slowest. My B. boehmei has increased in size more. Just curious what your thoughts were? I think that spider went a year without a molt and now has molted twice this summer. Still only about 21/2 inches ish. Thanks again for the great videos!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Really? Wow, that's insane. I've raised three, and they grew like weeds. All three hit 4" or more in the first year, and my temps were fairly low in the winter. That said, some specimens just grow more slowly than others, so that might be what you're experiencing there. The next molt IS the one that usually brings a big size increase, so let me know when that happens, Jeff!

[@robinrowland4882]

Btw I want to thank you for sharing how to make a tarantula ICU. It saved my Avic Avic sling. ❤

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Oh, I'm so glad that it helped, Robin!

[@robinrowland4882]

I have an A. seemanni that I bought in a pet store. She hasn't molted yet, so I was wondering ... Are A. Seemanni tarantulas slow growers?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Robin! Yes, they tend to grow rather slowly.

[@clnfreakone8486]

Funny I was watching another video and I thought… wonder when Tom is coming out with a new video and bam new Tom video … I noticed that molting last video … going to expo tomorrow hopefully I can pick up something on my list G pulchripes is top on the list Grammostola iheringi Brachypelma albiceps are also top of the list … my chalchodes hasn’t eaten in 47 days now

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! Good timing! And let me know if you pick either up!

[@gerardo5047]

Thanks Tom great video Every time one of my T molts I feel really proud because that means I'm doing a good job.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Gerardo! And I totally agree! :)

[@ninecatsandaboxofwine]

i really wanted to pair my h. pulchripes since my male matured but the females abdomen is not that big and i'm having hard time fattening her up!! think i missed the window since she will probably molt soon. ☹

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ugh...I hate when that happens!

[@bobbiscrittercave2348]

I saw a GBB at my local pet store with a sign below the cage announcing it to be a "TERRESTRIAL TARANTULA." It built a web hammock directly above the sign, right up against the lid, and it never moves from it!🤣 One of these days I've got to get a picture of it...

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Bahahaha! Seriously, these people that get all upset when folk give them a little extra height need to get educated. There are pictures of them in the wild several feet off of the ground! haha Thanks, Bobbi!

[@charlesdworchak2908]

My Miranda was around the same size if it takes a really long time to molt possible male that’s what happened to me. Grew very fast up until that 4” mark then next molt took like a year and it matured as a male. Beautiful species though and hopefully you have better luck then myself.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, bud! Man, I'm hoping that I get a lady with this one as I only have one. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

[@AdsArachnids]

You're so right with the Harpactira pulchripes colouration ( 7:30 ). I used this species as an example in my tarantula photography KZbin video. So many times you can see someone has just gone to the global saturation slider and ramped it to 100. I've got an Instagram post with an example of my H.pulchripes (Harpac Shakur) where I go through examples including the awful saturation hiking people do. I find the best way to light this species for photographs is around 4000 kelvins. It is just warm enough to show the gold but doesn't kill the beautiful grey/blues. I'll DM you a link to the post.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I literally JUST had someone comment and ask why my female was so dark. Do people just mute me during the videos? haha I see the saturation thing a LOT with this species. I hate it, because it just leads to disappointed keepers. Love that name, once again! haha And thank you so much! I hope all is well!

[@sharonbrecker9194]

I gorgot to mention my Borneo Black "Dani" did the same thing yours did out of nowhere she was listless out of her burrow mot eating eyc. I moved her to a new enclosure with clean fresh sunstrate and new decor and a big bowl of water and put her in front of it she drank but wasnt dehydrated. I watched her she perked up a bit but then wouldnt eat. After about 2 weeks she molted and is back to her old self and is eating now and threat posing if I open her enclosure so she too is out of the woods for now. I just watch and make sure she eats her crickets cuz if they die in a birrow bacteria does get introduced. Lesson learned and I watch her carefully now. Your video about that really helped me keep my head and got me through that tough time. Thank you so much for valuable information.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's bonkers! There was someone else several years ago who experienced the same thing. I still don't understand what happened. She looked to be on death's door for months before suddenly molting and recovering completely. My best guess was bacteria in her burrow. I'm just glad that she pulled through and that this info was helpful. Thanks!

[@tinasherr8945]

Great video, as always! I have the tiniest G Rosea and now I know she won't be growing any time soon lol!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Tina! Yeah, it may be a while. hahaha

[@KashRegister41]

My first Spider was a Chile rose it was a Female I had it for 21 years 🙏🏻

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Jason! Mine was as well, and we had her for almost 26 years before she finally passed.

[@johnlash6511]

Phormingochilus are so shy I see feet tips or a flash run past .. very cool tarantulas though

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Agreed, John! I'm just lucky that this one is usually out in the morning before I turn the lights on!

[@MitchellDavis-zu8vu]

Hi tom how are you doing I got a Goliath birdeater tarantula

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm doing great, Meichell! And congrats! I love mine.

[@crystalrgraves]

Love the chapters you put in Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Crystal! I was hoping folks would dig that. :)

[@RealMelodyBlue]

I'm fond of the A. chalcodes ❤ no M. balfurries???

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They are so cute. And not in this one, Melody...sorry!

[@RealMelodyBlue]

@@TomsBigSpiders did you hear about the new tarantula species? It's called the Persian Gold.

[@beakersmalls]

Hi Tom I'm in CT also My spiders are also molting.. love your channel.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on the molts, Jenny! Where are you in CT? Thank you!

[@beakersmalls]

I'm in Danbury. Thanks for all the helpful info you provide. I have learned a ton from your channel

[@VetiExotics]

I dont think my A.Chalcodes has molted in 3-4 years also. Great vid, fellow CT keeper!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha Sounds about right! And where are you in CT (sorry if I already asked; there are a lot of us out there!).

[@VetiExotics]

@@TomsBigSpiders Marlborough area

[@karlrushford3951]

I've been after a spider for some months now. What would you recommend for a beginner.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi Karl! Well, a few years back, I polled keepers to get their choices for the best "beginner" species. Here is the video that lists the results. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3yweaivet2WmZI

[@karlrushford3951]

@TomsBigSpiders Thank you for the information provided. Keep the great work up

[@Jubbyman13]

Great video as always Tom! Just out of curiosity would you reccomend a 12x12x12 exo terra (mesh top removed obviously haha) for a 3.5" GBB? Im aware of them being "semi arboreal" and wanted to allow her to web to her hearts content. :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! Yes, that would work out great. I had one of my adults in those, and it gave her plenty of space to web. And be careful who you say "semi arboreal" to. haha ;)

[@Jubbyman13]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thanks a bunch! I feel like I just said a bad word lol.

[@lowlee78]

Always a pleasure watching the videos and listening to the podcast. Quick question about my recently purchased, 3” juvenile Klaasi. The peachy, bald booty he arrived with has turned dark colored and he is refusing food, which I understand means he is in premolt. I also realize Brachys are notoriously slow at everything. Any rough idea how long they chill in the dark, swollen abdomen phase of premolt before actually molting? This is my first Brachypelma, and just passed my first year mark in the hobby so I’m still on that steep, experience-based learning curve, and appreciate any more experienced advice. I have to say before seeing your klaasi video they were my least favorite Brachypelma species. Now I’m impatiently waiting to measure his new dls and see how his colors will change, and hoping to get an intact molt to confirm sex. Sorry for rambling, it’s just people suck at liking spiders and I have no one to share with. Thank you for cementing my love of the hobby and being such a glowing example to those of us out here who want to do right by their Ts.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on getting one! Honestly, it's difficult to predict how long they will be in promolt for, as it depends on size, temps, feeding schedule, and the specimen. If I'm not mistaken, mine took a couple months to molt when it was that size. I hope that helps!

[@lowlee78]

Update! It just happened last night. And it’s new hardening exoskeleton has a significant bit of color darkening and brightening. Wow this species really is something special. Thank you for turning me onto B. klaasi!

[@lisaforbes191]

Got a ? Tom I have an a. Semani have him in dry substrate he's trying to burrow is this species fossorial should I do a rehouse? Thx

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Lisa! Yes, many of them burrow. I have an adult female who has a burrow and is in it most of the time. I would give her some more depth and try putting a moist layer on the bottom. Many will dig to that. Good luck!

[@lisaforbes191]

@@TomsBigSpiders ty so much for the info you rock!

[@evansalvatore3763]

My 2 inch GBB hasn’t molted in a year. Very very painful

[@sharonbrecker9194]

Wow that is a long time for being so small without a molt. Is it possible you missed one?? Check thru her enclosure to be sure.

[@evansalvatore3763]

@@sharonbrecker9194 Unfortunately I don’t think I’ve missed anything. They also haven’t been eating any food for 6 months so I assume it’s just a super long pre-molt. My hypothesis is because I live in Canada the cold weather is causing it to be very slow growing

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Evan! I've heard of others who have experienced long premolts at this time, and like you, they had lower temps. That may be what you're experiencing. Please let us know when she finally molts!

[@evansalvatore3763]

@@TomsBigSpiders I will. Thanks for looking out. I’m a big fan

[@evansalvatore3763]

@@TomsBigSpidersMy GBB sling just molted today. They took their sweet time.

[@pepperlee2313]

First lol 😃😃

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! Well done, Pepper!

[@kevinpoe8137]

You should do a more in-depth video on how of a taxonomic mess the genus Phormictopus is, also I picked up an E.uataman sling the other day

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I planned one, Kevin...and then they flooded the market with a half dozen "new" species. haha I'm still researching the locales and trying to make sense of it!

[@kevinpoe8137]

@@TomsBigSpiders 👍

[@Edward..de..lanndo]

Man you definitely know your stuff..... Im relatively new to this hobby, im a snake guy but i saved an Arizona blond and a curly hair recently from a friends daughter who jyst didn't know anything about them. I have read up on most before i took them in and also watched a ton of video's taking notes... So anyway i got them the proper enclosures and the right setup and i just keep an eye on them, i also added to my tiny collection by bringing in a giant white knee juvenile ( beautiful) and a hmmmm Venezuelan sun tiger who terrifies me on a daily basis..😅. Im sure he stared and sussed me out for three solid days before digging down and settling,,,,hopefully..anyway thanks for the informative videos, I'll do some catching up on your stuff...respect from Inverness 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Nice review.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Micheal Nancy!

[@leesreptilesandaquatics6368]

I just had a bunch of my tarantulas molt super exciting watching my little ones growing

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on all of your molts!

[@leesreptilesandaquatics6368]

@@TomsBigSpiders thanks I'm more excited about the 2 new slings I just got today I got panama blonde and a Naples earth tiger

[@mikewilliams736]

​@leesreptilesandaquatics6368 I have a Panama Blonde sling also. Most sensitive spider I have. I have to approach with soft footsteps in order to not scare her lol.

[@leesreptilesandaquatics6368]

@@mikewilliams736 aww yea my sling is only 3 weeks old and its pretty jumpy but I made sure to make it's home with lots of fake plants and sticks and places to hide so it doesn't stress out they are such beautiful slings I named mine agate

[@mikewilliams736]

@leesreptilesandaquatics6368 Very cool. I named mine Styx. Its legs make me think of matchsticks.

[@joannegalway1226]

Hi Tom, hope you’re well. I just love to see freshly molted Spiders,🕷️ their bodies are like an artists palette, yeah, even the black ones! 😂 Brilliant video, always interesting. I won’t worry about my wee Brachypelma because she’s only molted once since she’s been in my care. I got her on the ninth of December 2022, my Dad’s 3rd anniversary. Hope you guys have a great weekend, take care 😊😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Joanne! Me, too! And I wouldn't worry, as that's quite normal. They just don't want to grow up. haha I hope that you have a great weekend as well!

[@michaeltaylor2449]

STUNNING Ts love the colours on them

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Michael!

[@michaeltaylor2449]

@@TomsBigSpiders Your welcome

[@Cleopatra036]

Connecticut 8-legged Momma here!!! Absolutely love your videos, Tom! My GBB molted this morning for the 2nd time in my care. Very proud!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Where in CT? And thank you so much! Congrats on your GBB molt...that's awesome!

[@Cleopatra036]

@@TomsBigSpiders Grew up in West Haven. Been in Hamden for the last 17 years☺

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@Cleopatra036 Oh, wow! I grew up in Waterford and now live in Griswold!

[@eriktopping8473]

It’s been Moltfest 2023 in the Topping house for the last 2-3 weeks. My G. pulchra has just started to dig and create a burrow. It hasn’t burrowed since it’s last molt and that was October 2020. Not getting my hopes up but 🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Here, too! haha And if your G. pulchra is actually molting, that is definitely something to be celebrated! haha Fingers crossed for you!

[@eriktopping8473]

@@TomsBigSpiders nope… just ate a cricket last night🙄

[@eriktopping8473]

@@TomsBigSpiders nope… just ate a cricket last night🙄

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

How old were the GBB's when they died? They are still the prettiest T's I have ever see. Have a great weekend. Hi Billie. :D

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Joyce! They were both 10, so they lived a nice long time. And they are such amazing spiders. Billie says hello! We both hope that you are feeling well!

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

@@TomsBigSpiders I had the third post op xrays and my bones are healed. The not so great part is the soft tissue takes a long time to heal. I lost 20 pounds more since I broke my hip. Now my hubby has overdone on his car and he is limping. We are a pair. I hope you and Billie celebrate your 50th anniversary too. We are going on number 53. No T's now. Neither of us can take care of them properly. My daughter loves all animals but will not go near a T. We enjoy our dog and I enjoy watching your T;s and your talks. I bet your students have a great deal of learning in your class. Hi Billie. You and Tom and lifers. God bless you both.

[@lucnadeau2821]

Woo hoo ! Congrats of the slow growers :) No matter how long they take between molts, they're always worth the wait. The rest were also quite stunning. When I saw the Poecilotheria, I was expecting the one that had several mangled/missing legs. Hopefully that one is still doing fine and its health will improve even more next time it molts. Stay safe and thanks for sharing :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Luc! Hahaha They really are, although it can be difficult to convince others of that. haha Sadly, that pokie passed away last month, two years after that first bad molt. I'm putting together a video on it soon. It was right around 10 when it died, so it was getting up there, and molting three times in a two year period probably took its toll. :(

[@lucnadeau2821]

@@TomsBigSpiders I'm very sorry to hear this :/ At least we can take in consolation that she's no longer suffering. Hoping that none other in your collection has to go through that. My condolences, Tom !

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@lucnadeau2821 Thanks, bud. I'm glad that she got a couple more years, but I was REALLY hoping for a happier ending.

[@neliaharrison2650]

Hi, I have a question. Have any of your t's eat there molts

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Nelia! Yes, but they're not actually eating them. When they molt, they pump fluids between the old and new skin so that they can squeeze out of it. After molting, there is a LOT of fluid left in the molt, so some will grab it and suck the extra water out to replenish some of the fluids they lost. :)

[@neliaharrison2650]

@TomsBigSpiders ohhh OK, thanks

[@Lisa-eu9fy]

🕷💚💙💚💙🕷

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Lisa!

[@Krystal454]

I was today years old when I learned you are not far from me! Like, I just moved out of the state you're in. Very neat! Glad you had some good molts, always nice to see our freshly molted Ts!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Where were you at in Connecticut, Krystal? :) Thanks!

[@Krystal454]

I was way over near RI in Danielson, I know CT is a big state but I definitely thought you were in the Midwest for some reason so wherever you are in CT, that's definitely "closer"! 🤣 I'm in RI now about an hour and change away from Jabberwock.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@Krystal454 Ha! So, I lived in Moosup for years, but we moved to Griswold. However, I work at H.H. Ellis Tech in Danielson. Small world! haha

[@Krystal454]

@@TomsBigSpiders Wow, that's pretty neat actually! It's a nice little area, I hope to make my way back over there eventually.

[@JAY.POT.502]

Hey Tom 🕷💥

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello!

[@JAY.POT.502]

You get my message earlier ??

[@andymundie6894]

Such a great video. Thanks for all your efforts. Very grateful for everything Tom. Cheers. You are the best. Best wishes from Scotland. 🍀👍😎

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Greetings from the US! Thank you so much, Andy! :)

[@garynorton6853]

Superb video Tom, I think you've elucidated the variability in growth and feeding habits excellently!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Gary!

[@christophermcleod5495]

Awesome to see that an a chalcodes and g rosea have molted for you Tom, not something you see often haha. I just got back from holiday to see that two similarly slow growing species (my g pulchra and AF b albiceps) Molted while I was away, always a treat when they finally don their fresh colours!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Christopher! Can you believe it? haha My two B. albiceps are also taking forever to grow!

[@АлексейНовиков-щ2с]

Is this Phormictopus sp. blue is not "green femur"?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

No, as I explained in the video, the female spent years as an adult with a totally different coloration (gray/blue legs) than my sp. "green femurs." Although she resembles one now, she is not the same species that I can tell.

[@АлексейНовиков-щ2с]

@@TomsBigSpiders thanks for the explanation. I have read that true blues are called "blue azul". I don't know "blue" and "blue azul" are the same species or not. I really like this kind

[@migueltonnies6856]

How come your H Pulchripes is so dark? Mine are light brown bar the blue legs😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ3Uh3WOfaubbq8 I explained in the video that she's almost ten and adult female darken up.

[@beccapenny]

My GBB seems to be super slow growing! It's probably because it's more concerned with kicking hair at everything than actually growing lol! I call my C. darlingi my 'celeb spider' as she came from Dave Fisher (Dave's Little Beasties) 😂. I just lost my little P. lugardi sling last week. I have no idea what happened, but probably just 'one of those things' as I'm successfully raising other baboon species slings without issue. I was very gutted. My G. rosea sling is currently (and probably for the foreseeable future) about half the size of my pinkie nail! So adorable! ❤

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Becca! Hahaha Yeah, some of them just like to stay kids for longer. haha And I'm so sorry to hear about your P. lugardi. :(

[@codyhinkle9499]

Hey Tom just curious if you got my email

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Cody! I did and I responded! Long story short, that species was in the hobby for years before it was recently described. So, fortunately, this isn't a case where it was discovered and folks immediately started plucking them from the wild (like the B. simoroxigorum). The hobby already had specimens in it that have since been renamed. Granted, that just means that they were pulling them out of the wild long before scientists described them.

[@codyhinkle9499]

@TomsBigSpiders thank you I actually believed I sent that a long time ago. I recently sent you one about h. Pulchripes

[@PrincessSuicune]

WOW Tom that P. arboricola is absolutely stunning! How big is she now? I have a big beautiful female I'm going to be loaning to a local breeder to pair since I don't think these guys are too common. My girl is still quite brown even at 5 inches; I'm hoping she puts on a lot more black with this next moult! Your girl is SO gorgeous! Just picked up an H. pulchripes and Sericopelma sp. Santa Catalina sling (also got my first scorpion, H. laoticus, and another B. simoroxigorum sling...) and I'm so excited to raise them up! Thank you as always for your recommendations, I'm already loving them! Keep up the amazing work as always!! - Charlotte

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Charlotte! She is probably around 6" max. Mine definitely darkened up a bit with this recent molt. And you grabbed some awesome species there! The scorpions are so much fun and so cute when they eat. haha Thanks again!

[@PrincessSuicune]

Hey Tom just to let you know Tom Patterson has c. parvum in stock!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Oh, thanks for the heads up!

[@cherylmeyer9857]

Hi Tom, I had a curiosity occur. I bought 3 C. Elegans last year. They were really tiny when I got them. They all grew up and one in particular was bigger than the other two. When I fed them yesterday I discovered the bigger one had spiderlings crawling in her enclosure! What the heck! Was this the immaculate conception? She was alone since I got her. Do you have an explanation for this odd occurrence? Thanks Tom.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Cheryl! Wow, that is super weird. Are you sure that the spider are from her and not house spiders? They are not parthenogenetic, so I see no way that could happen if you didn't breed her. Plus, you would have seen her with an egg sac before you saw babies. Let me kno!

[@cherylmeyer9857]

@@TomsBigSpiders Hi again, Tom. I am giving them fruit flies and they seem to be thriving. All three adult Elegans are sitting in their enclosures right next to each other. I put very tiny pin holes in their enclosures when I got them last year. I’m positive the other two are males. They have totally different conformation from the female with spiderlings. The egg sack must have been in her burrow, because at the surface of the soil I can see a tiny eruption, for lack of a better word, where the babies crawled up through the soil and out onto the ground level. They crawl back and forth through that mounded opening in the ground level. I suspect the egg sack was underground? I’m wondering when I should separate them? Remove the mom? I will know when they get bigger if they are after all Elegans offspring. I don’t now how a house spider could have gotten into her enclosure with the holes being so small. Thank you so much for your help Tom. Signed, perplexed.