Homoeomma chilensis

[Marlana]

Who is “we” in the above statement? If there were/are spiderlings available for sale, then someone figured out the successful breeding conditions for the species.

I just meant the hobby. The hobby has been attempting to breed this species for awhile. And while some get sacs it’s very hit and miss. Like the guy who bred mine bred 3-4 females. 1 had a small sac, 1 laid but most were bad, 2 did not lay. So that’s far from successful conditions in my book. Maybe he did figure it out and there’s other reasons. But then I talked to people who have tried 8+ times with H.chilensis and got no sacs. I think there could be improvement.

 

[l4nsky]

I just meant the hobby. The hobby has been attempting to breed this species for awhile. And while some get sacs it’s very hit and miss. Like the guy who bred mine bred 3-4 females. 1 had a small sac, 1 laid but most were bad, 2 did not lay. So that’s far from successful conditions in my book. Maybe he did figure it out and there’s other reasons. But then I talked to people who have tried 8+ times with H.chilensis and got no sacs. I think there could be improvement.

I think I have an idea for that, or at the very least a design to make experimentation easier. I'm currently writing it up with hopes of posting in the next week or two. Sometimes I wonder if I have too much time on my hands lol...

 

[cold blood]

In 2014 these were still a hard sell and adult females fetched 50-60 bucks....at retail stores...slings were $10 or less and sellers couldn't move them....boy how times have changed in just 7 years.

I wish I would have bought every one I saw back then...I would likely live in a bigger house...lol.

Op, I think you paid a great price, congrats.

 

[AphonopelmaTX]

I just meant the hobby. The hobby has been attempting to breed this species for awhile. And while some get sacs it’s very hit and miss. Like the guy who bred mine bred 3-4 females. 1 had a small sac, 1 laid but most were bad, 2 did not lay. So that’s far from successful conditions in my book. Maybe he did figure it out and there’s other reasons. But then I talked to people who have tried 8+ times with H.chilensis and got no sacs. I think there could be improvement.

So were the spiderlings you bought the result of breeding in the United States?

Whenever I hear of captive breeding resulting in low viable egg count or no egg sacks I always think of three possible causes: species misidentification of the male or female, mating attempted with a sexually immature female, or lack of seasonal or environmental triggers.

 

[Marlana]

So were the spiderlings you bought the result of breeding in the United States?

Whenever I hear of captive breeding resulting in low viable egg count or no egg sacks I always think of three possible causes: species misidentification of the male or female, mating attempted with a sexually immature female, or lack of seasonal or environmental triggers.

Yes it was in the United States. This has been a pretty common issue with Homoeomma chilensis. Usually people get no egg sacs. I have talked to a couple breeders who haven’t gotten any sacs. I do think there are triggers that are missed or the timing is off. I know of 2 people who were somewhat successful and both bred November and laid in June. Both had temp drops but not extreme ones, pretty mild drops. Both had natural light, so they could sense photoperiod changes (if it matters).

Im honestly not sure on the reason why H.chilensis seems to be difficult for experienced breeders but I assume it’s something that’s being missed in environmental cues. I hope it’s that and not a species misidentification. It doesn’t appear to be but again, I’m not familiar with all the specimens so I can’t say for sure.

I think I have an idea for that, or at the very least a design to make experimentation easier. I'm currently writing it up with hopes of posting in the next week or two. Sometimes I wonder if I have too much time on my hands lol...

That would be awesome! I’m really fascinated by species that seem to be more difficult in either care or breeding. I’m still learning but I like the prospect of figuring out what makes them successful in captivity. And I think the more people that are experimenting and trying, the better.

 

[BillsSpider]

@viper69 question, how variable is that "males can mature in a year and a half"? I picked up a 1 inch sling H.chillensis and the very trustworthy breeder says he's been raising the 2 of them for 3 years and it's right at 1 inch now.

 

[Marlana]

@viper69 question, how variable is that "males can mature in a year and a half"? I picked up a 1 inch sling H.chillensis and the very trustworthy breeder says he's been raising the 2 of them for 3 years and it's right at 1 inch now.

It’s not a sure fire way to sex. I know of a breeder that just had males born 2016 mature this year. So 5 years.

 

[BillsSpider]

I hear what you are saying but 4 years is a lot of variation on when they mature

 

[Marlana]

I hear what you are saying but 4 years is a lot of variation on when they mature

Not really on a slow growing species. All it takes is different eating habits and longer molt cycles. Which can add up to years of difference. Sex a molt, that’ll tell you for sure.

 

[BillsSpider]

lol it's a tiny 1 inch sling, without a microscope I wouldn't be able to tell

 

[Marlana]

lol it's a tiny 1 inch sling, without a microscope I wouldn't be able to tell View attachment 404126

Homoeomma chilensis can be sexed pretty early but okay

 

[BillsSpider]

Then you clearly know far more about them than I do, is it obvious on the molt or ventrally?

 

[The Grym Reaper]

Not sure about males but I've had my female for 4 years & 3 months and she's barely over 2" (think she was 3/4" when I got her, definitely under an inch anyway)

 

[viper69]

@viper69 question, how variable is that "males can mature in a year and a half"? I picked up a 1 inch sling H.chillensis and the very trustworthy breeder says he's been raising the 2 of them for 3 years and it's right at 1 inch now.

growth rates are variable due to a number of factors.

Ive raised males and females of this species.

 

[DustyD]

So @Marlana,
How go the H. chilensis? They are on my want list and I was curious to see how you are progressing with them.

 

[BillsSpider]

Mine passed away with no warning at 1 inch. No death curl, just stopped eating or moving . I thought I had the husbandry right but I guess not

 

[DustyD]

Mine passed away with no warning at 1 inch. No death curl, just stopped eating or moving . I thought I had the husbandry right but I guess not

I am sorry to hear that.

Someone earlier in this thread had described them as bullet proof, although they are so small. I am hoping others including the OP will chime in with their experiences.

 

[joossa]

A vendor has 1st instars up for preorder for $285. Sheesh... I don't get the appeal at that price.

 

[Marlana]

So @Marlana,
How go the H. chilensis? They are on my want list and I was curious to see how you are progressing with them.

It’s going good! Most have molted twice now but one is taking forever to molt for the second time. Still really tiny. They eat fairly well and finally made burrows but I find them out quite often. Not much else to report.

 

[DustyD]

That vendor was selling them for $199 but recently changed the price. If you are on his mailing list he had a code that would give you a percentage off based on the dollar value. In this case I believe it was 30% off for a total of $199.50.
Often times the advertised price doesn't change, but a coupon code comes and goes and varies in amount.