Help diagnosing possible ailment

[Hairyleglover]

Any ideas what is the “crack” in the abdomen?!? Been their a few months she’s still active and otherwise appears healthy.

Thanks guys!

 

[FrDoc]

Appears to be merely the pattern resulting from kicking “hairs”. I see no rupture in the exoskeleton. Absolutely nothing to worry about. If there were a breach of any kind there would be hemolymph escaping.

 

[Hairyleglover]

That is the first thing that came to my mind, I have only seen her flick hairs once and I’ve had her since she was a tiny sling so I wanted to get a second opinion. Thank you so much!

 

[FrDoc]

That is the first thing that came to my mind, I have only seen her flick hairs once and I’ve had her since she was a tiny sling so I wanted to get a second opinion. Thank you so much!

It is usual behavior for several species to use urticating setae as a defense around their enclosure. Consequently, you wouldn’t have been aware of the actual kicking, just the aftermath. So, be careful doing enclosure maintenance and don’t trod the “minefield”.

 

[Hairyleglover]

It is usual behavior for several species to use urticating setae as a defense around their enclosure. Consequently, you wouldn’t have been aware of the actual kicking, just the aftermath. So, be careful doing enclosure maintenance and don’t trod the “minefield”.

Very interesting, I never knew that I knew that new world species tossed them if they were stressed or feeling threatened but didn’t know they did it randomly. She is a salmon pink bird eater.

 

[FrDoc]

Very interesting, I never knew that I knew that new world species tossed them if they were stressed or feeling threatened but didn’t know they did it randomly. She is a salmon pink bird eater.

Oh yeah, L. parahybana are definitely eight-legged minelayers, and their setae are not something with which to be trifled.

 

[Hairyleglover]

Well thanks for the good info my friend!

 

[Hairyleglover]

Interestingly went garage sailing (found a 150 gallon tank for free) came home to her molting. Not related but thought I’d toss the pic up here.

 

[asunshinefix]

Looks like you've already got your answer, but I just wanted to mention that judging by the dark colour where the hairs have been kicked off, it looks like she's in premolt! Sorry if you already know how to tell, just wanted to share some good news