Monocentropus Balfouri - strange behavior of two females

[SkyKuba88]

Hello, I have two Monocentropus balfouri in one container, size 19x19x19 cm. I noticed strange behavior that looks a bit like copulation. They do this several times a day. I will only add that both are female. They both shed 2-3 weeks ago. They haven't eaten anything for over a month, even though they are provided with food. Could it be related to territorialism? Anyone have an idea what it could be? I'm attaching a video. Thank you in advance for your answers!
View attachment VID_20240812_154231.mp4

 

[viper69]

How were they sexed?

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

I think one of them is male.. females can’t breed with each other…
You get to be a spider baby “papa smurf.” Hence the blue coloration. You might get an egg sack. I would definitely name the spider that.

 

[SkyKuba88]

sexed from the tweezers and from the molt. There is no chance of error

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

sexed from the tweezers and from the molt. There is no chance of error

Yeah I’d say then you might consider separating them.. before one or both end up dead .. or dinner .
@cold blood have you seen
this behavior?

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

That seems super small for 2 T’s..Do they have multiple hides?

 

[corydalis]

Tom Moran recorded similar behavior within his colony, although there were some food involved.

My two females I raised in the same enclosure became territorial towards each other around subadult stage though, the bigger one pushed out her sac sister from the burrow they shared thus far, so I ended up separating them.

 

[SkyKuba88]

They have a large terrarium measuring 30x30x20 cm, but I had to put it in a temporary enclosure. They have a lot of hiding places in their target area, but these situations also happen.

@corydalis thakn's your video solved my problem!

 

[TheraMygale]

Well, homosexual behavior happens very often in the wild. Its either a territorial thing, or simply just happening.

the enclosure might be too small for two.

daves little beasties keeps mature female M balfouri in 20cmx20cm for breeding needs. Thats what, 8x8 inches?

 

[Brewser]

Territorial Behavior

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Territorial Behavior

So there communal until they get Territorial ? Then it’s over ?

 

[TheraMygale]

So there communal until they get Territorial ? Then it’s over ?

The enclosure might be too small.

 

[SkyKuba88]

After cleaning and new arrangement, they returned to their old enclousre. This homosexual/aggressive behavior has stopped Thank you all for your replies