Mites on Jumping Spider

[EelhsaM]

Hi Everyone!

I found this beautiful female Phidippus Borealis yesterday. She appears to have a mite infestation.

I was wondering if anyone here has any advice or suggestions on how I may be able to help her.

 

[jbooth]

I mean... I would think about CO2 for this, it isn't gonna sit still. I've never tried it, never heard of it with a jumper, the metabolism is so high I doubt they are out long. I'd try submerging it in water first though and see if they swim off. If those are mites, surprised to see red ones on a spider but they sure look familiar don't they?

 

[viper69]

You could cool her off by putting her in the fridge as a means to reduce activity.

If it was me, I’d let nature take its course

 

[EelhsaM]

I mean... I would think about CO2 for this, it isn't gonna sit still. I've never tried it, never heard of it with a jumper, the metabolism is so high I doubt they are out long. I'd try submerging it in water first though and see if they swim off. If those are mites, surprised to see red ones on a spider but they sure look familiar don't they?

I’m not sure what they could be, other than mites.

Is it safe to submerge her in water? I’m afraid she would drown. I’m also not sure about the CO2; I’ve never done anything like that, and I’m afraid I would injure or kill her.

Maybe it’s best to just leave her as she is. I’m also wondering if she is Travis though, and if so, whether the babies would also get mites.

 

[EelhsaM]

You could cool her off by putting her in the fridge as a means to reduce activity.

If it was me, I’d let nature take its course

I think you’re right. If she does lay eggs, do you think the babies will be infected as well?

 

[jbooth]

Yeah, it's safe, but the mites might be in the bubble too, and not care. Fridge is a pretty good idea, or leave it. I think this is uncharted territory.

 

[viper69]

I think you’re right. If she does lay eggs, do you think the babies will be infected as well?

I don’t know the species of mite and what it eats

 

[jbooth]

You might have to shoot for damn near freezing too, I found an audax under a rock in a pile of frost in February, and within 3-5 min of coming inside it was jumping around like normal.

 

[EelhsaM]

You might have to shoot for damn near freezing too, I found an audax under a rock in a pile of frost in February, and within 3-5 min of coming inside it was jumping around like normal.

Interesting!I just don’t know if I am comfortable experimenting or not. I will have to try researching a bit more I guess.

This seems to be an uncommon situation. I feel bad for her.

 

[EelhsaM]

Yeah, it's safe, but the mites might be in the bubble too, and not care. Fridge is a pretty good idea, or leave it. I think this is uncharted territory.

Okay. I does seem to be an uncommon circumstance. I was surprised to see the mites, if that’s what they are.

 

[jbooth]

Put it in something really thick, like pyrex if you get it cold, and set it on something insulated so it will stay cold while you work and buy a few min. I didn't think about it before, but these winter over just like that, under something. Under something shallow in the same climate a wolf spider needs a 12-15" burrow to get below the frost... they may not even freeze at 32

 

[EelhsaM]

Put it in something really thick, like pyrex if you get it cold, and set it on something insulated so it will stay cold while you work and buy a few min. I didn't think about it before, but these winter over just like that, under something. Under something shallow in the same climate a wolf spider needs a 12-15" burrow to get below the frost... they may not even freeze at 32

Okay!

Will that hurt the eggs she may be carrying?

 

[jbooth]

I wouldn't think so

 

[EelhsaM]

I wouldn't think so

Alright, thanks!

 

[AphonopelmaTX]

These appear to be parasitic mites which function like ticks. They will chew through the soft cuticle on the spider's body- such as the abdomen and joints of the appendages, attach themselves, and feed on the hemolymph. There is quite a bit of information out there in the lay and scientific literature on these types of mites and they are not unique to spiders. They can be found on arachnids of other orders such as the harvestmen. Parasitic mites are easily distinguished from the nomadic mites found in captivity by the bright red coloration. The best course of action is to put the spider back where it was found and let it be. As harsh as it sounds, mites are arachnids too and need to eat. If not removed properly, there could be further damage to the spider.

 

[coolnweird]

While I think the situation is best left alone, I appreciate you wanting to help!

If you do decide to try your hand, the thread below contains a link to a prominent tarantula researcher's method for anesthesia and mite removal. Of course you're dealing with a much smaller type of spider, but it's the best info I know of on this topic.

Anesthesia of tarantulas

Hi everyone I guess you all know Vonwirth or at least heard his name when talking about Cyriopagopus vonwirthi I just found a post of him explaining how he deals with important problems with Ts. Here is the link: https://m.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=von.wirth.3&set=a.1494822800679898 I...

arachnoboards.com

 

[AphonopelmaTX]

While I think the situation is best left alone, I appreciate you wanting to help!

If you do decide to try your hand, the thread below contains a link to a prominent tarantula researcher's method for anesthesia and mite removal. Of course you're dealing with a much smaller type of spider, but it's the best info I know of on this topic.

Anesthesia of tarantulas

Hi everyone I guess you all know Vonwirth or at least heard his name when talking about Cyriopagopus vonwirthi I just found a post of him explaining how he deals with important problems with Ts. Here is the link: https://m.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=von.wirth.3&set=a.1494822800679898 I...

arachnoboards.com

This video will provide the instruction for knocking out a small spider with CO2.

 

[EelhsaM]

These appear to be parasitic mites which function like ticks. They will chew through the soft cuticle on the spider's body- such as the abdomen and joints of the appendages, attach themselves, and feed on the hemolymph. There is quite a bit of information out there in the lay and scientific literature on these types of mites and they are not unique to spiders. They can be found on arachnids of other orders such as the harvestmen. Parasitic mites are easily distinguished from the nomadic mites found in captivity by the bright red coloration. The best course of action is to put the spider back where it was found and let it be. As harsh as it sounds, mites are arachnids too and need to eat. If not removed properly, there could be further damage to the spider.

I know it’s nature. I do think it’s best to just leave her as she is. Interestingly, I did see one mite on a harvestman this evening.

I will likely just put her back tomorrow. When the first saw her, I was hoping that I could help her.

Thank you for taking the time to share the information.

 

[The Snark]

If you need a hobby and have the magnifying equipment, a sharp toothpick dipped in BKC solution and applied will suffocate the mite in a few minutes. But keep the stuff off the spider. It's extremely wet and can creep along almost any surface so being very meticulous is crucial. If it gets in the book lungs the spider is history.

 

[EelhsaM]

If you need a hobby and have the magnifying equipment, a sharp toothpick dipped in BKC solution and applied will suffocate the mite in a few minutes. But keep the stuff off the spider. It's extremely wet and can creep along almost any surface so being very meticulous is crucial. If it gets in the book lungs the spider is history.

That sounds very complicated and risky. The mites are so tiny as well. I don’t think I could ever try that.

Overall, she seems alright, so I think it’s best to let her live the rest of her life, however long or short that is, in peace.

Thank you for the suggestion though.