What are these spikes on my Tarantula? (G. Pulchripes)

[Stef]

So I found these spikes on my T's legs. They seem to be on all legs, nothing on the carapace or abdomen. What could they be? They feel hard and spikey to the touch. Enclosure is fairly dry. I rescued this T a month ago from a pet store. It hasn't eaten or molted since it has been with me. The behaviour seems normal though.

Also found in enclosure, poop or something else?

 

[Toxoderidae]

That is hair. Urticating hairs designed to be flicked at predators to get them to go away.

 

[Stef]

are you talking about the ''hair'' coming from the brighter collored spots? The thick spikes? doesn't seem like they could be flicked easily

 

[Flexzone]

That's their setae, sensory organs used to sense chemicals,pheromones,vibrations etc, and that white spot your seeing is fecal matter, which you should clean every so often as cage maintenance.

 

[Sana]

Also yes that is poop.

 

[Stef]

That's there setae, sensory organs used to sense chemicals,pheromones, vibrations etc

Okay but just to make sure, you are talking about these things right? because I am. If they are just ''setae'' it would be a huge relief.

 

[Flexzone]

Okay but just to make sure, you are talking about these things right? because I am. If they are just ''setae'' it would be a huge relief. View attachment 209928

Yup, those are a type of setae (spikes) that don't detach like urticating hair but are used as a passive defense ex sp. (M. robustum) actively bob there legs around as a defense against predators

 

[Stef]

Yup

thank you! I just haven't noticed them before I guess

 

[dragonfire1577]

Very cool I'm gonna look at some of my T's to find those

 

[EulersK]

@Tarantula1995 is spot on. Great picture of them, by the way! Not too many of those.

 

[Stef]

Very cool I'm gonna look at some of my T's to find those

Did you find them?

 

[dragonfire1577]

I think so on my juvenile G. pulchra

 

[Squidies]

Awesome picture! Good to know in case I happen to notice these. =D