- Joined
- Feb 3, 2003
- Messages
- 315
Is there a set amount of molts a T goes through before it matures? I guess females molt 'til they die but how do you guys know that a male will be mature after the next molt?
# of molts
- Thread starter blackacidevil
- Start date
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2002
- Messages
- 3,783
Ts are not as precise as other arthropods. For most arthropods you can say that they will mature on <foo> instar definitively. For Ts, there is only a guideline. As a made up example, for some species, the males might mature out between 7th and 10th instar, females between the 10th and 13th instars.
I'm sure someone has some numbers for some species, but I'm not aware of where they are.
The situation is further complicated with Ts because its rare (but becoming more common) to know exactly which instar a given T is on. I think most keepers go by experience with a given species. When a T reaches a certain size, body conformation, and markings if applicable, you know it's getting ready to male out (or reach the end of rapid growth for females).
I'm sure someone has some numbers for some species, but I'm not aware of where they are.
The situation is further complicated with Ts because its rare (but becoming more common) to know exactly which instar a given T is on. I think most keepers go by experience with a given species. When a T reaches a certain size, body conformation, and markings if applicable, you know it's getting ready to male out (or reach the end of rapid growth for females).