How obvious should spermathecae be at 3.5"?

Amanda

Arachnolord
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Jan 20, 2006
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My B. albiceps (ruhnaui) molted tonight, and I was checking out the fresh exuvium with a pair of magnifying glasses. The T was approximately 3.5" before the molt, and hasn't yet stretched out for a post-molt measurement.

If I look as close as I can get with the magnification, I can BARELY barely see what might possibly be the spermathecae, but I could just be optimistic. Should they be more obvious than that at that size?

Before anyone asks, I can't get a picture that close with my camera. :wall:
 

jamesc

Arachnoknight
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May 19, 2006
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Sometimes they are very hard to see at that size and even on larger specimens if you don't know exactly what you are looking for. You might want to try a magnifying glass or something similar. A lot of times you can take a picture with your camera looking through a magnifying glass.
 

Amanda

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I referenced this to know exactly what spermathecae of this species should look like, and I know I was looking in the right place.

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=61615&highlight=ruhnaui+spermathecae

I was using strong magnification glasses (the kind with the adjustable band around your head) and saw a VERY faint possibility. I'll have to scrounge up a magnifying glass and try the camera trick. I just don't know if she's a late bloomer, or if I'm fooling myself.
 

jamesc

Arachnoknight
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If you can't get that shot try getting a good picture of the epiandrous fusillae. Sometimes it is really easy to sex from that too.
 

Lorgakor

Arachnomom
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I would think it should be quite visible at that size. I sexed mine at about two inches and the spermathecae was barely visible, I suspect with the next moult I should be able to see it quite clearly. If you can't see it clearly by now, then I think you have a boy.
 

Amanda

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Jan 20, 2006
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That's what I'm suspecting. He/she put on over 1" with this moult, so I should be able to get some great ventral views when it starts climbing a bit.
 
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