A box with some prepared arachnid molts
wizentrop

A box with some prepared arachnid molts

@Toxoderidae I catch them "red handed" while molting, and separate the molt immediately when the spider is done with it. From that moment on, it is a game of patience and accuracy. I very gently open all the folds in the abdomen, and fill it with cotton balls.
 
@Toxoderidae I would also like to know how to get he abdomens filled and shaped so well. I use superglue with a super fine applicator and fill mine with carefully molded tissue paper colored black. However when I attempt to moisten the top flap of the abdomen, its like a sponge and gets all hard to work with. Any tips would be great thanks :)
 
@wizentrop I understand, and apologize for my brash comment. Initially I had assumed these were for display and a quick google has revealed what you were talking about. Either way, they look amazing.
 
@Eek I did not take your comment as offensive. Just clarified that these boxes are used for scientific work.

@EthanB @Toxoderidae I work slowly and always add one small pressed cotton ball at a time, starting at the anterior part of the abdomen (close to the carapace) and adding more balls as I go towards the spinnerets. The hardest part really is to open and spread the folds without tearing the cuticle. Practice makes perfect - I've damaged a lot of molts until learning how to do it. You can see that the baby Avicularia molt in the box is not perfect.
 

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Other Arachnids
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wizentrop
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arachnid-molts.jpg
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Wed, 18 May 2016 7:46 AM
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