Adult VS. Sub-Adult?

[WingedTrucker]

Hello! I have just a quick question. I was wondering if anyone knows how you can tell the difference between a sub-adult and an adult that can be bred. I can post pics of my T as well. I just bought it and I was wondering because my other T was sold to me as a female but it just molted and is actually a male. I was just wondering how you can tell if they are a fully mature female. Thank you! (The pics are of my T, Stingray, it's the one I'm asking about!)

 

[EulersK]

Less cutesy pictures, more pictures with a ruler for size and a mention of the species

Definitions will vary depending on who you ask. This is my personal interpretation, and it's a common one.
Slings: Abdomen is significantly larger than the carapace. Non-burrowing species burrow at this stage.
Juvie: Begin to look like miniature versions of an adult spider (via proportion, not coloration). Adult behavior is shown here.
Sub-adult: Sexually mature, but not full grown.
Adult: As large as the spider will ever get.

The only way to be certain that your spider is ready to breed is by looking for a scleretized spermatheca, which can't be done unless you have an exuvia (an old molt). You can make a good guess by looking at the size, though.

 

[Marijan2]

When males reach maturity is obvious, but to be sure for females you need to take a look at their spermathecae. Good rule of thumb if you don't have old exuvia is if she is at 70% or more of fully grown size - she can be mated succesfully. Example: T's average maximum size is 10", females are ready at 7" or more. Of course it all depends on species and individual genetics

 

[magicmed]

This has been a big paranoia of mine since I have 5 pairs and waiting to make my first attempt at breeding! aside from what's been mentioned with males they will developed small hooks on the first legs, as well as their pedipalps will swell up, they will make a sperm web, and wander around a lot.

Females seems to be pretty easy to judge based on size and molt timing. like others said 70% of adult size and not in heavy premolt should be good to go

 

[darkness975]

I was wondering if anyone knows how you can tell the difference between a sub-adult and an adult

When they start complaining about their jobs, paying bills, neighborhood kids walking on their lawn ...

Serious answer: what @EulersK said in his post above.

 

[viper69]

they will developed small hooks on the first legs

This is not true, not all species develop tibial hooks.

 

[viper69]

Hello! I have just a quick question. I was wondering if anyone knows how you can tell the difference between a sub-adult and an adult that can be bred. I can post pics of my T as well. I just bought it and I was wondering because my other T was sold to me as a female but it just molted and is actually a male. I was just wondering how you can tell if they are a fully mature female. Thank you! (The pics are of my T, Stingray, it's the one I'm asking about!) View attachment 223189 View attachment 223190

The best way to tell if mature female, is by examining the previous molt.

In the absence of any other info in the pic on the left, handling a T at that perceived height is a good way to have it die from falling. They don't like to be held at all.

 

[Andrea82]

Just a note on species breeding, you seem to have a G.rosea/porteri/north kind of tarantula. Are you absolutely sure both female and male are same species? There's been a lot of confusion on these species, and further interbreeding doesn't help

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Ah ah, I love the contrast between your Theraphosidae and that mess in the room

 

[14pokies]

Ah ah, I love the contrast between your Theraphosidae and that mess in the room

That was savage

 

[Andrea82]

That was savage

Those pyjamas though....

 

[BobBarley]

Ah ah, I love the contrast between your Theraphosidae and that mess in the room

That was savage

Those pyjamas though....

OP GOT REKT