Giant Vinegaroons

[thedreadedone]

hi
just like to say - thanks wade, for all the vinegaroon info.
but, more questions...........................................
1. what do they eat, and how much?
2. what substrate is good to keep them on?
3. temp and humidity?
4. lighting - what sort is best?
5. lifespan?
6. time between moults?
7. do they need any special conditions for moulting?
8. general behaviour info please
9. access to water?
10. anything else you may think useful

thanks loads
anna

 

[Wade]

1. Any sort of feeder insects are accepted, I generally offer 2-3 larger crickets a week and this seems to suffice.

2. Right now, I'm using a mix of sand, peat and some vermiculite. Potting soil would work as well. I prefer subststrate that allows them to form burrows. In the wild, I've allways collected them from under rocks and logs that they burrowed under, so I usually provide a flat rock for this purpose. I also bury smaller rocks underneath to prevent the large one from collapsing.

3. Mine are kept at room temperature, which for me ranges from mid to high '80s in the summer, to low 70's in the winter with no additional heating. During the winter they often seal themselves in burrows. Humidity wise, I try to keep about half the substrate moist, but allow it to dry between watering. Usiually, I just overfill the bowl and wet the substrate that way. I feel this is probably more imortant for immatures when molting than for adults. Adults PROBABLY OK in dry enclosures with a water bowl, but I still provide substrate moisture. Try to avoid execessively wet conditions.

4. None is needed, they are nocturnal and ambiant room light is enough to provide for their day/night cycle. If you do use lighting, be sure to choose a method that doesn't overly heat or dry the cage, or is too bright which may stress them out.

5. Nobody knows for sure, but they may take 5 years or more to reach maturity and then they may live an additional 4 or five years.

6. The immatures I'm raising seem to molt once a year, while sealed in a burrow, usually in the spring. Adults do not molt.

7. I believe it is helpful if they are able to construct a sealed chamber in slightly moist substrate.

8. They can often be seen out and about hunting during the warmer months, especially at night. During winter, mine are usually sealed in burrows.

9. I always have a shallow water dish in the cage.

10. Nothing I can think of at the moment!

Hope this helps!

Wade

 

[thedreadedone]

vinegaroon

thanks very much