Successful.
The pair of Damon diadema was purchased in late Sept. or early Oct. 2010. They were housed in a 10 gal. with a screen cover that was mostly covered to retain humidity. The cage was decorated with cork bark. Peat used as substrate, and a water dish was included. Temp was 75-78 F. Humidity was not measured, but the cage was misted every couple days.
Mating was not observed, but spermatophores were noticed several times, usually attached to the top. Male appeared to be trying to entice her on several occaisions.
Nov. 1, 2010. The female has been acting strange. Alone, unusual location, and not moving for a couple days. There were uneaten prey items as well. Usually everything is eaten.
Nov. 5, 2010.The female was seen to be carrying eggs. She was left in with the male until he was rehoused on Dec.9. She was moved to a new vertical 10 gallon enclosure on Dec. 24.The female was spending a good deal of time holding her body far from the surface she was resting on. This was observed more as time went on.
Feb. 19, 2011. The female began holding her prosoma to the bark surface, with the opisthosoma in the air. That evening the very rear of the sac appeared swollen, and there was some lighter color.
Feb. 20, 2011. The sac is very swollen at the rear. After lights out it appeared to be dropping away from her body. Looking huge, and much lighter in color. Apparently opening to release the young.
Feb. 21, 2011. Babies are hatched. Huge mass on the females back. Estimating 35-40.
Mar. 3, 2011 First molts are taking place.
Mar. 4, 2011 Molting complete. The molts are still attached to female.
Molted to second instar.
Photo here:
http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=202667
The pair of Damon diadema was purchased in late Sept. or early Oct. 2010. They were housed in a 10 gal. with a screen cover that was mostly covered to retain humidity. The cage was decorated with cork bark. Peat used as substrate, and a water dish was included. Temp was 75-78 F. Humidity was not measured, but the cage was misted every couple days.
Mating was not observed, but spermatophores were noticed several times, usually attached to the top. Male appeared to be trying to entice her on several occaisions.
Nov. 1, 2010. The female has been acting strange. Alone, unusual location, and not moving for a couple days. There were uneaten prey items as well. Usually everything is eaten.
Nov. 5, 2010.The female was seen to be carrying eggs. She was left in with the male until he was rehoused on Dec.9. She was moved to a new vertical 10 gallon enclosure on Dec. 24.The female was spending a good deal of time holding her body far from the surface she was resting on. This was observed more as time went on.
Feb. 19, 2011. The female began holding her prosoma to the bark surface, with the opisthosoma in the air. That evening the very rear of the sac appeared swollen, and there was some lighter color.
Feb. 20, 2011. The sac is very swollen at the rear. After lights out it appeared to be dropping away from her body. Looking huge, and much lighter in color. Apparently opening to release the young.
Feb. 21, 2011. Babies are hatched. Huge mass on the females back. Estimating 35-40.
Mar. 3, 2011 First molts are taking place.
Mar. 4, 2011 Molting complete. The molts are still attached to female.
Molted to second instar.
Photo here:
http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=202667
