Hello everyone,
After months of research and waiting, I finally got my hands on an adult Phrynus marginemaculatus. I named it "Schnitzel!"
It is currently housed in a ~32oz container with Styrofoam, since I heard that this is the preferred setup among many keepers. There is about 3/4" of wet substrate.
My new pet seemed quite happy with its enclosure and made itself at home immediately.
However, I do have some questions:
1. Where do you keep your amblypygids in terms of lighting, especially with setups that only have one piece of climbing surface? I know that amblypygids are photosensitive, so should I keep the whole enclosure in pitch darkness? Or would a decently dark room work? I have seen amblypygids kept on foam mounted directly to the back of the tank; how does lighting work for these enclosures? I am currently covering my enclosure with a ventilated cardboard box as a shelter from light, but I am not sure if this is the best solution in the long run.
2. I noticed my amblypygid "clapping" its pedipalps a few times after I added it to its tank. It was cleaning itself and would suddenly slap its pedipalps together rapidly, resembling someone giving applause. I found this quite interesting and amusing, but could not find any info on it. I thought it may be hygienic, but I thoroughly washed the enclosure's Styrofoam, and my little guy seems to be parasite free. What could this be?
I am so happy that I finally got one of these guys-- I have always wanted an amblypygid, and Phrynus marginemaculatus is such a great pick!
Thanks.
After months of research and waiting, I finally got my hands on an adult Phrynus marginemaculatus. I named it "Schnitzel!"
It is currently housed in a ~32oz container with Styrofoam, since I heard that this is the preferred setup among many keepers. There is about 3/4" of wet substrate.
My new pet seemed quite happy with its enclosure and made itself at home immediately.
However, I do have some questions:
1. Where do you keep your amblypygids in terms of lighting, especially with setups that only have one piece of climbing surface? I know that amblypygids are photosensitive, so should I keep the whole enclosure in pitch darkness? Or would a decently dark room work? I have seen amblypygids kept on foam mounted directly to the back of the tank; how does lighting work for these enclosures? I am currently covering my enclosure with a ventilated cardboard box as a shelter from light, but I am not sure if this is the best solution in the long run.
2. I noticed my amblypygid "clapping" its pedipalps a few times after I added it to its tank. It was cleaning itself and would suddenly slap its pedipalps together rapidly, resembling someone giving applause. I found this quite interesting and amusing, but could not find any info on it. I thought it may be hygienic, but I thoroughly washed the enclosure's Styrofoam, and my little guy seems to be parasite free. What could this be?
I am so happy that I finally got one of these guys-- I have always wanted an amblypygid, and Phrynus marginemaculatus is such a great pick!
Thanks.