My First T., His first Moult.

[Metsook]

Hi all. Came home a few days ago to find a pair of tarantulas in my tank
I missed the action phase due to a long work day, but snapped a few pics of the aftermath.

Here is the guy when I first bought him. I posted the pic here as a Rio Grande Gold. Got a few replies that perhaps it was not, and at the time agreed after looking at some online pics.

Nobody's home!

New and improved! After doing a bit of research, this guy looks spot on for a male Rio Grande Gold. I must say I was surprised by the drastic change in color, and size. Though still somewhat small, he is big enough that it's hard to believe he fit in that little skin.

 

[smof]

Congratulations. Always nice when they get through it with no problems. That is an impressive colour change! How big is he now? And do you know for sure he is a he? That moult looks in good enough condition to tell the sex from if it's big enough.

 

[Metsook]

The legspan is about 4.5" now. I'd put it at maybe 3" before the moult. The legs are much longer now. I'm pretty sure it is a male Rio Grande Gold (Aphonopelma moderatum). I did an image search and found one at Swifts that is a dead match. Don't want to post the pic as I'm not really sure of the rules :? Like I said this is my first and there are lots of you out there that can give me feedback on that.

 

[smof]

Can you see if he has hooks on the underside of his front legs, or 'boxing gloves' on his pedipalps?