Strange things in my B. hamorii enclosure

Ragnoso

Arachnosquire
Joined
Apr 29, 2017
Messages
129
Sorry for the silly question but I have noticed that my T has done a strange "carpet" with webs and coco fiber in front of his home. Is it normal?
IMG_20171005_133259.jpg IMG_20171005_133324.jpg
 

DadsGlasses

Arachnosquire
Joined
Sep 2, 2017
Messages
60
Yes. Very normal.

I should note that I am very new to the hobby and I am far from an expert. I have three T's (including a B hamorii) and I have seen this behavior from all three of mine.

I'm sure others can chime in and give some reasons for this behavior.
 

Devin B

Arachnobaron
Joined
Sep 30, 2016
Messages
326
I believe that they lay down a carpet of silk as a way to detect when food is near. They can deel the vibrations all the way down their burrow when some food walks near the enterence.
 

BC1579

Arachnobaron
Joined
Sep 17, 2017
Messages
321
I've heard it's also a way to protect their meal from other ground-dwelling critters like ants and such. Sort of like laying down a picnic blanket.
 

chanda

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Jun 27, 2010
Messages
2,229
Yep, a lot of my t's do the same thing. In addition to potentially helping them detect approaching prey (or threats) I've also read that it gives them more secure footing - particularly if they have to make a speedy retreat into their hide or burrow - by binding together loose soil, sand, or other substrate so it doesn't slip or roll underfoot and covering up potential hazards like sticks and other small debris.
 

starnaito

Arachnosquire
Joined
Jul 12, 2017
Messages
96
It's sort of like laying out a road map, as it helps them know where they are and where the food is. This is why you want to avoid messing with it too much. If their webbing is suddenly not there, they won't feel secure.
 

miss moxie

Arachnoprince
Joined
Jun 13, 2014
Messages
1,804
It's also possible that's where the tarantula eats. They lay down webbing when they eat. That's what they're doing when they do the "happy dance" aka spin in a circle slowly, touching their spinnerets to the ground.
 
Top