Is "sling" really the technical term for what should be called a sub-adult or juvenile?

[Ty Spaulding]

I've seen "sling" being used quite a bit and interchangeably with t's that appear to be in their subadult lifestage. Assuming "sling" is slang for spiderlings. I am a new owner of my first t, a P. muticus. I know that this is one of the last recommended species for new comers but I'm also a biologist and very comfortable around tarantulas.

I guess I would just like some clarification on which terms are technical and scientifically accepted and the slang words.

Thanks,

Ty

 

[Venom1080]

well, for your typical brachypelma sp., a sling would be 1/4"- 2.5", juvi 2.5"-4.00", sub-adult 4-5", adult 5+". more or less, depends on the maximum size of the species.

 

[Poec54]

I don't see 'sling' being confused with 'subadult'. To me, subadult is a spider a molt or two away from maturity. There's not an established line between sling and juvenile, but usually by 2" it would seem to be out of the sling phase. That's when I start referring to most of them as juveniles.

But then, you have to take into account a species adult size. At 2", a dwarf species could be a subadult, whereas with Theraphosa, 2" could arguably still be called a sling.

 

[Chris LXXIX]

I don't know if is a "technical" one but of course accepted and welcomed worldwide. I like to say "slings". Way better than say "early instars" etc
I agree with Poec btw about his species etc statement.

Btw Pelinobius muticus 0.1 are my fav. T's. They are like French Bulldogs or other mastiff, only an evildoer could dislike those lovely

 

[Ty Spaulding]

So, my roughly, 2.5cm kbt would still be a sling then? Sounds like it. Wasn't trying to be combative, realizing now that it sounded a little snotty. Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it. Already thinking about my next t, since I'm gonna be with Lucy for 20 years or more, I want to get an adult that isn't as reclusive. Get the best of both worlds. Any suggestions?

 

[Poec54]

So, my roughly, 2.5cm kbt would still be a sling then?

I want to get an adult that isn't as reclusive. Get the best of both worlds. Any suggestions?

Yes, at 1" a king baboon would still be a sling. They have a reputation for being slow growing, and while they're not on the speed demon side of the fence, they'll grow at a better rate with frequent feedings and warm temps.

For a big, beautiful, high-visibility spider, it's hard to beat Acanthoscurria geniculata.

 

[AphonopelmaTX]

I've seen "sling" being used quite a bit and interchangeably with t's that appear to be in their subadult lifestage. Assuming "sling" is slang for spiderlings. I am a new owner of my first t, a P. muticus. I know that this is one of the last recommended species for new comers but I'm also a biologist and very comfortable around tarantulas.

I guess I would just like some clarification on which terms are technical and scientifically accepted and the slang words.

Thanks,

Ty

The following article will answer all of your questions. Basically "sling", "spiderling", "juvenile" (shortened to "juvie" sometimes), and "subadult" are all pretty much useless subjective terms that never accurately describe at what stage a tarantula's development is in. So no, "sling" is not a technical term.

Read on and when you get the login prompts, just keep clicking "Cancel" to get to the download. It is a free PDF from the American Tarantula Society.
http://atshq.org/download/arthropod-developmental-terminology/

Since you are a biologist, you may feel very comfortable reading through the book "Biology of Spiders" by Rainer Foelix. It is THE textbook on spider biology and the 3rd edition includes more about tarantulas than previous editions. That being said though, it is not a tarantula biology book so don't expect the tarantula specifically or other mygalomorph spiders to be treated in depth.

 

[Ty Spaulding]

The following article will answer all of your questions. Basically "sling", "spiderling", "juvenile" (shortened to "juvie" sometimes), "subadult", and "adult" are all pretty much useless subjective terms that never accurately describe at what stage a tarantula's development is in.

Read on and when you get the login prompts, just keep clicking "Cancel" to get to the download. It is a free PDF from the American Tarantula Society.
http://atshq.org/download/arthropod-developmental-terminology/

Since you are a biologist, you may feel very comfortable reading through the book "Biology of Spiders" by Rainer Foelix. It is THE textbook on spider biology and the 3rd edition includes more about tarantulas than previous editions. That being said though, it is not a tarantula biology book so don't expect the tarantula specifically or other mygalomorph spiders to be treated in depth.

Yes, at 1" a king baboon would still be a sling. They have a reputation for being slow growing, and while they're not on the speed demon side of the fence, they'll grow at a better rate with frequent feedings and warm temps.

For a big, beautiful, high-visibility spider, it's hard to beat Acanthoscurria geniculata.

The Brazilian white knee is gorgeous! I'd love to get one eventually. Tarantulas like tattoos, you can't just get one.

 

[Poec54]

The Brazilian white knee is gorgeous! I'd love to get one eventually. Tarantulas like tattoos, you can't just get one.

Why wait? They have huge sacs, and slings are relatively cheap because of that. Truly one of the great spiders in the hobby.