- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
- Messages
- 460
Well what do you know.. Was browsing around the web for tarantulas as always and came across the Orkin pest control site which had a FAQ about tarantulas.
I was ready to read and giggle at the apparent lack of information but was really surprised it's pretty ~spot~ on and is done very, very well. Was thankful that in a sea of bad info, rumors and other bad press against tarantulas they really present it well. Thought I would share so others can see that not all sources out there for the John Q Public types are bad.
Well done Orkin, well done!
http://www.orkin.com/other/spiders/facts-about-a-tarantula
Here's a portion on their site regarding Tarantula Molting
I was ready to read and giggle at the apparent lack of information but was really surprised it's pretty ~spot~ on and is done very, very well. Was thankful that in a sea of bad info, rumors and other bad press against tarantulas they really present it well. Thought I would share so others can see that not all sources out there for the John Q Public types are bad.
Well done Orkin, well done!
http://www.orkin.com/other/spiders/facts-about-a-tarantula
Here's a portion on their site regarding Tarantula Molting
Tarantula Molting
Molting is a natural process whereby a new exoskeleton is produced and the old one is shed. Tarantulas undergo a series of such molts at various developmental stages. The molting process allows them to adapt to their growing bodies while remaining protected by the exoskeleton. Molting also regenerates missing appendages; after a succession of molts, these appendages may reach their original proportions.
Prior to molting, tarantulas often fast for a number of days and appear sluggish and restless. During this time, tarantulas spin molting mats from silk. These arachnids must split themselves open in order to free themselves from their old exoskeletons. However, before molting begins, a new exoskeleton has already formed inside the old one. This new exoskeleton is soft and flexible, but will solidify after the old one is shed.
After molting, tarantulas fast again, as they must wait for their new fangs and exoskeletons to harden before they are able to feed. Molting can pose danger to tarantulas. In extremely dry conditions, the old exoskeleton may not soften enough to be removed. Molting periods also render tarantulas more vulnerable to predators.
Tarantula spiderlings may molt as often as once each month, while half-grown specimens molt approximately two to three times per year. Time intervals between molts increase as tarantulas near maturity.