Pholcid stuck molt

Theraphosphor

Arachnosquire
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Nov 22, 2023
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There's a cellar spider that lives under one of my tables, and it appears to have gotten stuck in its molt. It's been the same for about a day. Is there anything I can do for it?
 

Sugarpill

Arachnosquire
Active Member
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Oct 26, 2023
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How big is it? If it’s still alive you may be able to save it with a q-tip & water or even a gentle mist, it may have been too dry.. cellar spiders like it a little damp
 

Theraphosphor

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Nov 22, 2023
Messages
76
How big is it? If it’s still alive you may be able to save it with a q-tip & water or even a gentle mist, it may have been too dry.. cellar spiders like it a little damp
A younger one. Probably just over an inch in legspan. I just missed it, didn't seem to move. Its abdomen seemed withered when I found it last night.

Thank you for the advice, I'll see what happens!
 

Theraphosphor

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Joined
Nov 22, 2023
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76
A younger one. Probably just over an inch in legspan. I just missed it, didn't seem to move. Its abdomen seemed withered when I found it last night.

Thank you for the advice, I'll see what happens!
Its abdomen appears dessicated, probably even worse than yesterday. I'll leave it on this wet napkin overnight, but I'm pretty sure it's dead.

Poor little thing.
 

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The Snark

Dumpster Fire of the Gods
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Aug 8, 2005
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From observation, Pholcids can't molt without the aid of a web. Common with most spiders but essential with long legs pulling free of the exoskeleton. Your animal appears to have shed the legs but the body didn't split and get removed with the leg casings.
 
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