How many times do a tarantula molt before it's adult?

Christoffer

Arachnosquire
Joined
Jul 20, 2011
Messages
85
I have never really wondered about this until now. But is there a spesific number of times a tarantula molts until it's mature? Is it different for some species?
Also, I know that growth rate is different by different species, individuals and other factors, but is there any index or something on the wide web where someoen has put down how fast the different tarantulas in their care has grown? (I'm logging this myself now, on about 30-40 species i have).

Any info, links and tips will be appreciated thanks :)
 

BobGrill

Arachnoprince
Old Timer
Joined
Jan 25, 2011
Messages
1,668
There is no specific amount with tarantulas.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk
 

Poec54

Arachnoemperor
Joined
Mar 26, 2013
Messages
4,742
It'll vary depending on the spider's native habitat. Tropicals from wet climates typically grow significantly at each molt, some males mature in a year or less. Species from dry climates can't take that risk; by growing fast they can easily outrun their resources and be caught in a drought post-molt. Evolution has thinned out those that attempted to fast growth in climates with limited resources. Growth is easily manipulated in captivity, by the volume and food, and many species can be sped up or slowed down.

With tarantulas, very few things apply across the board.
 

le-thomas

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
547
It is my understanding that after a tarantula has reached third instar, its growth per molt varies based on the species, individual, and its environment. Unlike some other arthropods, such as insects, tarantulas continue to molt throughout their lives, giving them a limitless number of possible instars (although they will, inevitably, die).
 

Poec54

Arachnoemperor
Joined
Mar 26, 2013
Messages
4,742
It is my understanding that after a tarantula has reached third instar, its growth per molt varies based on the species, individual, and its environment. Unlike some other arthropods, such as insects, tarantulas continue to molt throughout their lives, giving them a limitless number of possible instars (although they will, inevitably, die).

It not limitless, especially for males.
 

Poec54

Arachnoemperor
Joined
Mar 26, 2013
Messages
4,742
Do you know if, within a species, males have a set number of instars before maturity?

Probably not set, as many males are notoriously known to mature at a wide range of sizes. This may be evolution at work, so that the maturities are staggered, and if the first round produced meager results for some reason (flood, drought, fire, freeze, volcano, etc) the next batch may fare better.
 

cold blood

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 19, 2014
Messages
13,536
Every single one, no matter the gender or species, all mature on their 50th molt. Its like magic.:laugh:
 

MikeC

Arachnoknight
Old Timer
Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
189
But...how many licks to get to the center of a tootsie pop. XD...I'll show myself out...
A wise, bespectacled, animated owl has told me on good authority that it indeed takes only 3 to get to the center.
 

Christoffer

Arachnosquire
Joined
Jul 20, 2011
Messages
85
It'll vary depending on the spider's native habitat. Tropicals from wet climates typically grow significantly at each molt, some males mature in a year or less. Species from dry climates can't take that risk; by growing fast they can easily outrun their resources and be caught in a drought post-molt. Evolution has thinned out those that attempted to fast growth in climates with limited resources. Growth is easily manipulated in captivity, by the volume and food, and many species can be sped up or slowed down.
With tarantulas, very few things apply across the board.
That's what i thought.. Too bad
 

gypsy cola

Arachnoknight
Joined
Jan 16, 2014
Messages
192
See post #10 for the answer:wink: The owl figured it out a while ago.:laugh:
dang, I had this open during the begging of my shift and didn't reply to the end. Wasn't fast enough. At least I wasn't the only one with this thought
 

BobGrill

Arachnoprince
Old Timer
Joined
Jan 25, 2011
Messages
1,668
Welcome to Arachnoboards ;)

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk
 
Top