Slapping as a defense mechanism

[Spiderguy47]

I tried feeding my C. Marshalli today (possible premolt) and she did something weird. She slapped the roach with her front legs. In the past when she didn't want to eat she just backed up and tried to avoid the roach, she's never done this before. She's not my only t that has done this. My G. Pulchripes (currently premolt) slaps at the tongs when I take out the water dish to clean it. Is this a defensive behaviour? Any ideas why they do it?

 

[BoyFromLA]

I see this often from my slings in pre molt. If I see this, I stop try to feed them.

It’s like:

“I SAID I don’t want to eat!!!” *Slap*

 

[nicodimus22]

Venom is precious. It's much smarter to slap something away than to go all bitey on its ass 100% of the time.

 

[Devin B]

It sounds like a warning saying if you dont stop I can and will bite.

 

[The Grym Reaper]

Is this a defensive behaviour?

Yarp.

Any ideas why they do it?

Venom is a precious commodity, and some tarantulas just like to bitch-slap disturbances until they go away.

 

[Dennis Nedry]

Same reason some snakes make you think they were bit but have only really head butted you (hognoses and rough green snakes do this). It's scary and saves venom

 

[darkness975]

It is a stark warning that if not heeded will result in a bite.

They don't have the capacity to realize it's a guy with a pair of tongs and not a hungry Coati.