Harpactira pulchripes sling concern...

[Little Grey Spider]

About three weeks ago I purchased two slings. One .75 in. H. pulchripes. I am slightly concerned about it. I researched how to set up the enclosure and followed the sellers unpacking instructions to a T. It set up a tiny burrow and for the first two weeks, I'd see it out randomly. I haven't seen it in about a week. In the near three weeks I've had it, it hasn't eaten. Everything I've read describes this species as "great" eaters. Now, if this were one of my NW terrestrials, I wouldn't be worried at all. This is my first OW and despite tremendous effort researching, including contacting other people who own this species, I couldn't gather very much information on what is the norm for feeding/fasting/molt cycles for a sling this size. My other sling purchased at the same time (a 1.75 in. P. metallica) has been doing great so I'm unsure if it is stress from shipping, premolt (although it doesn't *appear* to be, but my sources indicate premolt isn't as obvious for an OW so it's possible), an enclosure issue or what. I've offered live prey, prekilled prey and most recently I've tried a plump cricket "drumstick" left near the borrow opening. So, to sum it up... Should I be concerned that a sling of this size hasn't eaten in that long?

 

[Little Grey Spider]

Attaching images of the enclosure and of the sling.

 

[KezyGLA]

It looks fine to me. I don't think this species is a great eater at all.

If the abdomen is plump then should be ok. Just make sure it has access to water.

 

[Little Grey Spider]

It looks fine to me. I don't think this species is a great eater at all.

If the abdomen is plump then should be ok. Just make sure it has access to water.

Well, it was plump the last time I saw it. The small yellow dish always has water, but I can add another one closer to the burrow if necessary? My gut tells me it's going to surprise me with a molt, but having no personal frame of reference for this species is causing me to have (hopefully unwarranted) concern. Thank you for the response.

 

[Mpmackenna]

Yeah, that abdomen is fairly big. I'm no expert but looks good to me.

 

[Little Grey Spider]

Yeah, that abdomen is fairly big. I'm no expert but looks good to me.

It looks fine to me. I don't think this species is a great eater at all.

If the abdomen is plump then should be ok. Just make sure it has access to water.

Caught a peek today. Not positive, but I think it molted. Abdomen looks thinner. Can just see a glimpse of leg and booty in the hidey hole.

 

[Mpmackenna]

Yep, looks pretty shiny... look forward to seeing a shot when it actually exits the lair.

 

[cold blood]

Yeah, probably molted...the first pic definitely showed it to be in heavy pre-molt.

 

[Little Grey Spider]

Yeah, probably molted...the first pic definitely showed it to be in heavy pre-molt.

Thank you for the insight. It is much appreciated. Gosh, I can't wait for it to pop out and feed! I've always wanted to watch one of these guys grow.

 

[Mpmackenna]

Wait 5 days before offering food and keep water available. Molts are always fun. It's like getting a new T every time.

 

[Little Grey Spider]

Well.... That answers that.

 

[Little Grey Spider]

Yep, looks pretty shiny... look forward to seeing a shot when it actually exits the lair.

Here it Is! It actually didn't run this time when I opened the enclosure. Still so tiny, but looks good. I'm happy.

 

[Mjb30]

It looks great! Congrats on the moult!

 

[NukaMedia Exotics]

Its not uncommon for Ts to not feed, unless the abdomen is really small its probably already well fed and doesn't feel the need to eat.