AFS development, and lifespan discussion re: temps

[CRX]

I have a AFS, I'm not sure exactly what instar because the past molt or two have been completely in his burrows and I never even saw the molts. I looked back in my media and I got this guy way back in 2021 when he was a tiny baby. He has molted at least 4 times for me, but he is still very tiny and still in the enclosure from when I got him. I've had his temperature generally lower than recommended, because I havent had a choice, but he continues to eat and molt and just last night came to his burrow entrance to lurk for prey as he does.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? I see people on here claiming AFS mainly live 5-7 years, but I have had this one for 3 years and he is still a baby. He's lived at lower than optimal temps his whole life, could this be a factor?

edit: He does have a heatpad now.

 

[Joey Spijkers]

Temperature influences the growth speed a lot. They are fairly slow growers anyway, but this is a lot slower compared to what it would be in higher temperatures. Most important thing is that he eats and molts fine.

 

[Brewser]

The Warmer temperature should improve behavior in many ways.
Best Wishes,

 

[Diao]

I can almost certainly say this would be temperature related. At what temperature do you keep the individual, typically? For growing Heterometrinae I actually aim for somewhere right arounɓ to low 80s to high 70s at night. I use a spot lamp for heat, so there is a gradient within the enclosure, going from 92-93F in one corner down to 82-83F in the diagonal opposite corner. I also keep the humidity quite high, 80% or so with a bit more variation day to day than with temperature. I offer hides on both sides of the tank, and I often find them favoring the hide of the warmer side, sometimes just basking in the heat outside the hides as well.

I'm not sure what kind of a difference it would make with growth rates at this far along with your individual, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to keep it a bit warmer for the other health benefits it provides to your animal.

 

[CRX]

I can almost certainly say this would be temperature related. At what temperature do you keep the individual, typically? For growing Heterometrinae I actually aim for somewhere right arounɓ to low 80s to high 70s at night. I use a spot lamp for heat, so there is a gradient within the enclosure, going from 92-93F in one corner down to 82-83F in the diagonal opposite corner. I also keep the humidity quite high, 80% or so with a bit more variation day to day than with temperature. I offer hides on both sides of the tank, and I often find them favoring the hide of the warmer side, sometimes just basking in the heat outside the hides as well.

I'm not sure what kind of a difference it would make with growth rates at this far along with your individual, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to keep it a bit warmer for the other health benefits it provides to your animal.

I need a thermometer, but id estimate the temp stays around 74,75 degrees, maybe closer to 80 on the heated side. I've never even considered using a lamp, due to concerns about dehydration, and because I wrap the lid halfway with plastic wrap to retain moisture. I don't think lamps are necessary for AFS of emps. And it wouldnt be possible to use a lamp with my plastic enclosure.