Amblypygid Babies Questions

[newtblockstheway]

I have a Phrynus whitei that I got back in May. She was most likely wild caught, as in late August, I discovered she was carrying eggs! After a long time waiting (and worrying), those eggs finally hatched on December 20th, but now I find myself with numerous questions that online research, nor Orin Mcmonigle's book, have been able to answer for me. So, I figured I'd try to ask here. Bear with me, as this is the first post I've ever made on this site.

Anyway, here are the questions:
- Any of you who have ever bred and sold Amblypygids, what instar do you typically sell the babies?
- How long will it be until the babies go through their first molt, and leave the mother's abdomen? Looking for answers specifically in regards to Phrynus whitei
- What should the babies be fed, how often, and how much? In other words, are there any feeder insects that should be avoided, and should I put a whole bunch of the feeders in with the babies (about equal to the number of babies there are), or should I attempt tong feeding them? Or put a feeder in one at a time?
- if there are any other important things to know for raising little baby whipspiders- whether for Phrynus white or any other species- do let me know!

Please also enjoy this photo of mama whipspider "Bones" and her whip-lings (or "little spaghetties" as I've been calling them)

 

[fcat]

I have nothing useful to add, just wanted to say congrats and thanks for sharing. She's stunning and her little spaghettis are adorable.

 

[wizentrop]

Congrats! This is a really fun and easy species to work with.

Here are my answers to your questions:

- Any of you who have ever bred and sold Amblypygids, what instar do you typically sell the babies?

Usually 3rd instar, and after they had a few meals to fill up.

- How long will it be until the babies go through their first molt, and leave the mother's abdomen?

Between 10 days to 2 weeks in my experience.

- What should the babies be fed, how often, and how much? In other words, are there any feeder insects that should be avoided, and should I put a whole bunch of the feeders in with the babies (about equal to the number of babies there are), or should I attempt tong feeding them? Or put a feeder in one at a time?

Small and soft bodies prey: fruit flies, silverfish, baby crickets, very small roaches. Prey can be stunned/prekilled, but freshness is important. Feeding every 5-7 days is ideal, one feeder at a time. Do not tong feed.

- if there are any other important things to know for raising little baby whipspiders- whether for Phrynus white or any other species- do let me know!

Separate the babies into individual enclosures after they molt off the mother's abdomen, within a week at most. Otherwise you are risking them cannibalizing.

 

[newtblockstheway]

Congrats! This is a really fun and easy species to work with.

Here are my answers to your questions:

Usually 3rd instar, and after they had a few meals to fill up.


Between 10 days to 2 weeks in my experience.


Small and soft bodies prey: fruit flies, silverfish, baby crickets, very small roaches. Prey can be stunned/prekilled, but freshness is important. Feeding every 5-7 days is ideal, one feeder at a time. Do not tong feed.


Separate the babies into individual enclosures after they molt off the mother's abdomen, within a week at most. Otherwise you are risking them cannibalizing.

Thank you so much for the tips! Especially that last one- I knew I'd have to separate them, but wasn't aware it'd be so soon!

I have nothing useful to add, just wanted to say congrats and thanks for sharing. She's stunning and her little spaghettis are adorable.

Yes, they are adorable indeed. So incredibly tiny, too