Carapace skin 'peeling' on tarantula?

[Sofias T choice]

My juvenile B. albopilosum carapace skin seems like it's peeling off? Just 2 days ago, 27/05/19 I tried to feed my T but it refused. I noticed what look like bald spots on its abdomen so I thought maybe a pre-molt is on the horizon. Today, 29th I offered a cricket and my T gobbled him up. The bald patch on the abdomen looks bigger but my main concern is the pattern change on the carapace. Is this normal or a sign of illness/disease? Abdomen is nice and plump, great eater, active, stays out posing lol. nothing to indicate there's something wrong. Water dish always clean with fresh water so i'm not worried it's dehydration.

I would greatly appreciate your help and opinions on this. I'm getting worried for my little fella/gal. xx

In the photo that has been circled, the white 'triangle' like shape has spread and is definitely different to the photo adjacent, taken 2 days apart. And definitely not a lighting/shadow issue.

 

[Paul1126]

I honestly have no idea what I am suppose to be looking at here, the triangle shape does seem bigger but is not just because of a camera flash/different angle?
What is circled in the second picture???

 

[Sofias T choice]

I honestly have no idea what I am suppose to be looking at here, the triangle shape does seem bigger but is not just because of a camera flash/different angle?
What is circled in the second picture???

No it's not because of the camera/angle. I observed it properly before taking the photo. Second photo, the lighter colouration on the abdomen is also spreading. From one small circle bald spot to now covering almost all of the lower part of the abdomen on the right hand side.

 

[Paul1126]

No it's not because of the camera/angle. I observed it properly before taking the photo. Second photo, the lighter colouration on the abdomen is also spreading. From one small circle bald spot to now covering almost all of the lower part of the abdomen on the right hand side.

I have no idea about the carapace, but the abdomen looks totally normal to me.

Heavy pre moult

• Paul1126
• May 26, 2019
• 4
• albopilosum brachypelma brachypelma albopilosum curlyhair tarantula pre-molt

Brachypelma albopilosum

 

[Sofias T choice]

I have no idea about the carapace, but the abdomen looks totally normal to me.

Heavy pre moult

• Paul1126
• May 26, 2019
• 4
• albopilosum brachypelma brachypelma albopilosum curlyhair tarantula pre-molt

Brachypelma albopilosum

Thank you so much for your opinion and a great example of pre moult. Really appreciate it.

 

[Paul1126]

Thank you so much for your opinion and a great example of pre moult. Really appreciate it.

If it is possible, try get a better pick of the carapace. I doubt anything is wrong though.

 

[Sofias T choice]

If it is possible, try get a better pick of the carapace. I doubt anything is wrong though.

I'll try to get a snap of it once he's in full view. He's taken his lunch inside his hide.

 

[Arachnophoric]

Also in camp can't-see-what-youre-talking-about, but your T looks healthy in those pics and FWIW it is normal for Ts to look duller/washed out as premolt approaches.

 

[Vanisher]

I have noticed that immediatly before a moult sometimes it can looks like the carapace is coming off. I have observed it in some speicies.

 

[Rigor Mortis]

Is it possible that it's just setae coming off of the carapace? But I'm also in camp "what are we looking at exactly?"

 

[viper69]

I believe the OP is not familiar with the tarantula anatomy that’s all.

T looks healthy as best as one may tell from a pic

 

[Sofias T choice]

Also in camp can't-see-what-youre-talking-about, but your T looks healthy in those pics and FWIW it is normal for Ts to look duller/washed out as premolt approaches.

Yeah I'm sure a premolt is on the horizon for sure. Thanks for your reply

 

[Sofias T choice]

I have noticed that immediatly before a moult sometimes it can looks like the carapace is coming off. I have observed it in some speicies.

Yes that's exactly what it looks like. Like skin peeling after a suntan. Very likely a premolt thing. Thanks!

 

[Sofias T choice]

I believe the OP is not familiar with the tarantula anatomy that’s all.

T looks healthy as best as one may tell from a pic

I am familiar with a tarantulas anatomy although I'm no expert and this is my first T so just being overly cautious I guess. Glad you think my T is healthy. Thanks for your input