How serious are mites?

[deifiler]

Hi all,

Doing the 'graveyard shift' for the burrowing spiders (3am feeding time) And I checked on my *gravid* H.Lividum. Anyway, I noticed what appeared as a red mite burrowed into her right pedipalp... Upon picking the tank up to get a closer look she bailed into her burrow.

This palp was ENTIRELY missing las moult, so I could of mistook the 'incomplete' areas for it, though I'm doubtful. I shall try to get a closer look anyway..

Even if it is indeed a mite though, I don't fancy my chances at applying petroleum jelly to it... So... Will this mite (if that's what it is, I will investigate it further) do any major harm to my lovely? Of course if I notice a lot more on her I'll try and get as many off as possible...

I should hopefully have a new camera within a fortnight so should get pics..

Thanks in advance

 

[Steve Nunn]

I've always removed mites with some scentless talc applied to a q-tip. I know it's a Haplopelma but it can be done with some patience. A lot of Selenocosmia spp. I catch have large numbers of mites (which are fairly nasty because they are hemolymph feeders and not just the typical hitcher) and this has shown to be the easiest method for me.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[deifiler]

Cheers,

If I were to 'cool her down' in order to make her less active, would that put the chance of an egg at risk at all?

Thanks

 

[Steve Nunn]

Originally posted by deifiler

If I were to 'cool her down' in order to make her less active, would that put the chance of an egg at risk at all?

No, it shouldn't hinder a potential egg sac at all. The biggest concern with temps in this regard is the males stored sperm in the females receptacles and this is only a concern if the spider is kept in too warm conditions.

Cheers,
Steve