Molt Sexing Poecilotheria Slings Using a Microscope

[spideyspinneret78]

I have the toughest time molt sexing Poecilotheria slings using a microscope. I have a P. vittata sling that's about 1.5-1.75DLS (size at molt was about 1-1.25in) and I was able to pull an old molt out of its enclosure for sexing. I have a (somewhat crappy) dissecting scope that I use for sexing slings and small juveniles. I'm usually able to tell right away for other species if the sling is male or female. But I really struggle with Poecilotheria. For a while I even thought my P. regalis female was a male because I just couldn't seem to spot any spermathecae for the longest time. Do their spermathecae develop later? I have a few Poecilotheria slings right now and can't seem to find anything resembling spermathecae. Unfortunately I can't find any decent images online to give me some hints either. Are they more challenging to molt sex than other species when they're very small?

 

[viper69]

or you could use the dot method if you are patient, works for all but one species.

this one was only about 2.5-3” max

Male P. rufilata

• viper69
• Dec 13, 2013
• 2
• dot method

The dot indicates male

 

[The Grym Reaper]

Pokies are easier to vent sex than they are to moult sex IME.

 

[Tarantuland]

or you could use the dot method if you are patient, works for all but one species.

this one was only about 2.5-3” max

Male P. rufilata

• viper69
• Dec 13, 2013
• 2
• dot method

The dot indicates male

Which species does this not work for?

 

[viper69]

Which species does this not work for?

Damn, you'd have to find Advan's response to my post on this- I know lot's of searching It was made witihin the past year though. He only recently commented on this. I believe it is P ornata, but I dont recall 100%, only because it's a species I don't intend on keeping.

Or maybe he'll respond to a PM, not sure how busy he is lately. He's a nice guy.

 

[Tarantuland]

Damn, you'd have to find Advan's response to my post on this- I know lot's of searching It was made witihin the past year though. He only recently commented on this. I believe it is P ornata, but I dont recall 100%, only because it's a species I don't intend on keeping.

Or maybe he'll respond to a PM, not sure how busy he is lately. He's a nice guy.

Right on, I know one of the species also has dimorphism. I think maybe ornata? I’ll look for that post tho

 

[viper69]

Right on, I know one of the species also has dimorphism. I think maybe ornata? I’ll look for that post tho

let us know what you find on both please!

 

[Tarantuland]

let us know what you find on both please!

These three threads go over it all. The one that can’t be identified with the dot is Poecilotheria formosa.

Ornata is the one with sexual dimorphism as illustrated by @advan. But @Liquifin raises the question of whether Poecilotheria vittata has dimorphism before maturing as well, with some good pictures

Poecilotheria vittata Sexual Dimorphism?

I have two specimens that are indeed sexed via. molt. One is indeed male and the second is female both are siblings and are both 4'' inches in legspan. Now I'm not trying to making any claims, just speculation on the matter as I find the carapace to be completely different between the male and...

arachnoboards.com

Poecilotheria ornata sexual dimorphism

Starting a new thread so it's easier to find. :) The only species of Poecilotheria that can be accurately sexed dorsally at a young age is P. ornata. The other species sometimes can when larger sub adults but not always, it differs per individual. Hence why it is not accurate. Never go by folio...

arachnoboards.com

Poecilotheria sexing questions

The poecilotheria genus are said to be rather sexually dimorphic. I am wondering if you can tell by their patterns before the "mature male" molt without traditional ventral/molt sexing. I have read about the ornata male not having the same darkness as the females do but is that similar with...

arachnoboards.com