Spermathecae Resource Thread

[NMTs]

Lol I think I might have helped create a monster here lol. Next thing you know @NMTs Is trying to get time on the electron microscope in Albuquerque, talking about I need to sex this molt from a Cyriocosmus sellatus that went from EWL to 1i .

I'm sure they've got some pretty sweet equipment at Sandia National Labs, and that's just down the street...

I've always enjoyed the challenge of sexing T's, especially the small ones, so I've been thinking I should get a proper microscope for a while. You definitely got me to start looking seriously, though, because it's hard to even know where to start when you've not used a real microscope since biology lab in college (which was an undisclosed number of years ago ). Your list of suggested equipment was extremely helpful, so yeah - the bombardment of spermathecae pics is absolutely @l4nsky fault everyone! Ha!

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

We all appreciate both of you for your helpful contributions!

 

[NMTs]

Here are my latest contributions, .

0.1 Ornithoctoninae sp. Hana, 2.125" DLS

• NMTs
• May 8, 2024
• 1
• female spermathecae ornithoctoninae sp. "hana"

For reference. Ventral pic inset.

0.1 Psalmopoeus victori - 5" DLS

• NMTs
• May 23, 2024
• darth maul tarantula female spermathecae mexican half-and-half psalmopoeus psalmopoeus victori victori

For reference only. Inset pics at the bottom, from left: dorsal view with uterus externus up...

0.1 Euthycaelus sp. Cesar - 1.125" DLS

• NMTs
• May 23, 2024
• euthycaelus euthycaelus sp. cesar female spermathecae sp. cesar

For reference only. Undescribed, fossorial, dwarf species...

This ^^ one is from this little beauty:

0.0.1 Euthycaelus sp. Cesar - 1" DLS

• NMTs
• Mar 2, 2024
• dwarf euthycaelus fossorial sp. cesar

I rehoused this tiny fossorial T after 8 months, and this is literally the only time I've seen...

 

[NMTs]

0.1 Aphonopelma moderatum - 4.125" DLS

• NMTs
• May 25, 2024
• aphonopelma moderatum female rio grande gold tarantula spermathecae

Reference material. Clockwise: dorsal view; ventral view; dorsal view, spermathecae & uterus...

 

[NMTs]

0.1 Phormingochilus sp. Sabah Blue - 3" DLS

• NMTs
• Jun 2, 2024
• female spermathecae phormingochilus phormingochilus sp. "sabah blue" sabah blue

For reference only.

0.1 Theraphosinae sp. dorado, 1.125" DLS:

 

[NMTs]

I pulled 4 molts to examine this evening, and all 4 ended up being female - including my A. minatrix which I was convinced was male!









And one more from a few days ago:

 

[zsiciarz]

A little contribution from me.

Amazonius burgessi

Amazonius burgessi

• zsiciarz
• Jul 4, 2024
• burgessi pseudoclamoris burgessi spermathecae

For reference, with and without backlight. Female, 4 cm body length / ~4 inches leg span.

Augacephalus ezendami

Augacephalus ezendami

• zsiciarz
• Jul 4, 2024
• 1
• augacephalus augacephalus ezendami ezendami spermathecae

For reference, with and without backlight. Female, 3.5 cm body length.

 

[TheraMygale]

This thread has excellent information. The pictures are such good quality. I can’t wait to have some molts that are good enough to contribute to this data base.

Many thanks to the microscope suggestion. Sometimes there is too much choice and I end up lossed in the pros and cons of a model. Then i don’t buy anything because I am overloaded.

I have been holding back on purchasing a good microscope for a while. Been relying on tricks with magnifying glasses and my phone.

I tried using my spotting scope, but that was a fail.

 

[l4nsky]

I tried using my spotting scope, but that was a fail.

That got an audible chuckle out of me lol. Was picturing like a big Vortex Razor HD on a 90° mount looking down at a 3/8" molt .

 

[TheraMygale]

You got it right too. Synchronicity hahaha. I got myself a Vortex, that exact one too 🥲.

Could not afford the Kowa. I am still dreaming of it. My bino’s are swarovski. The price you pay for good glass, is the quality you get. Sigh.

You should have seen it in action. The determination was there. But it was failed from the begining.

 

[l4nsky]

You got it right too. Synchronicity hahaha. I got myself a Vortex, that exact one too 🥲.

Could not afford the Kowa. I am still dreaming of it. My bino’s are swarovski. The price you pay for good glass, is the quality you get. Sigh.

You should have seen it in action. The determination was there. But it was failed from the begining.

Thankfully, I don't need to spend money on top tier glass just yet, or even a spotting scope for that matter. I seldom have large lines of sight in the Midwest, just need durable binos and a range finder. Vortex was a relatively easy decision when I got the gear for my neck of the woods as the lifetime replacement warranty and price point pretty much made the choice for me.

 

[TheraMygale]

Thankfully, I don't need to spend money on top tier glass just yet, or even a spotting scope for that matter. I seldom have large lines of sight in the Midwest, just need durable binos and a range finder. Vortex was a relatively easy decision when I got the gear for my neck of the woods as the lifetime replacement warranty and price point pretty much made the choice for me.

That is why I bought the Vortex scope. Lifetime warranty. I splurged a bit more on the tripod, to limit vibrations when i am working near water and open fields. And a fluid head pan tilt head 🥲. It makes for better recording. Sigh, these adult toys .

 

[NMTs]

0.1 Psednocnemis brachyramosa - 2.625" DLS

• NMTs
• Jul 9, 2024
• 1
• brachyramosa coremiocnemis brachyramosa female spermathecae malaysian blue femur psednocnemis psednocnemis brachyramosa

Unique spermathecae found in this species.

0.1 Grammostola sp. "concepcion" - 1.125" DLS

• NMTs
• Jul 9, 2024
• female sling female spermathecae grammostola grammostola sp. "concepción" sp. "concepción"

Little female parts for reference...