Tarantula Newbie trying to learn about the molting process.

Theman11

Arachnopeon
Joined
Apr 22, 2021
Messages
2
Hey everyone,

I am new to this world of pet tarantulas and am trying to learn about the molting process.

What happens to the old carapase/exuviae after the tarantula sheds?
Am I supposed to throw it out?

I'm struggling to find information about it.

Thanks,
-A
 

Table

Arachnosquire
Joined
Jun 3, 2020
Messages
141
lot of people collect them, I keep em pined up and sorted by what T. Some people have jars full. You Def can just throw it away thow.
 

Theman11

Arachnopeon
Joined
Apr 22, 2021
Messages
2
lot of people collect them, I keep em pined up and sorted by what T. Some people have jars full. You Def can just throw it away thow.
thanks, I prefer to throw it out. I have seen videos online where the T's linger around it after shedding and was unsure if they still need it or if i can remove it.
 

Craig73

Arachnoangel
Joined
Jun 2, 2016
Messages
790
I leave mine in for a week or so then toss it. If it’s harder to get to I may wait to see if the T moves it to its dumping area and then pull it.

My A. Minatrix molts were at the bottom of a cork tube for the past four molts. The other week it decided to clean up and found them all piled in one spot that I was able to get to.
 

Blueandbluer

Arachnobaron
Joined
Mar 17, 2015
Messages
495
I used to keep mine for size comparison, but when you have several spiders that becomes unsustainable. Now I just take pictures next to an object for scale, so I can compare the sizes that way. It's neat seeing them change with time when you're raising from a sling or juve.
 

Arachnophobphile

Arachnoangel
Active Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2018
Messages
806
Hey everyone,

I am new to this world of pet tarantulas and am trying to learn about the molting process.

What happens to the old carapase/exuviae after the tarantula sheds?
Am I supposed to throw it out?

I'm struggling to find information about it.

Thanks,
-A
Well....this has multiple answers.

If you have an arboreal and it molts inside it's web cocoon two things can happen.
1. It pushes the molt outside of it's web entrance which then you can remove to save, sex, (depending on size) or pitch.
2. It pushes the molt to the bottom of it's web cocoon which you cannot remove without destroying it's web cocoon..

Also terrestrial spiderlings and some juveniles will molt at the bottom of their burrow. The only way you are going to remove them is.
1. When you rehouse or
2. Destroy the burrow by digging up the molts which is not advisable.

If your T molts in a place you can retrieve the molt wait until the T moves from it. Sometimes they will want the moisture from the molt before it hardens up.
 

CommanderBacon

Arachnobaron
Joined
May 21, 2018
Messages
498
They're cool so I have an impulse to keep them but I just hand them over to a friend of mine who makes jewelry out of them now. I have no need for them, personally.

I'd leave it with the tarantula for a few days, though. They like to suck the moisture out of it sometimes.
 

Craig73

Arachnoangel
Joined
Jun 2, 2016
Messages
790
I just hand them over to a friend of mine who makes jewelry out of them now.
Yes, yes. The infamous Bacon Bits ‘N Pieces line. I rock a full spread Grammastola in an eight prong setup on my pinky finger. I don’t need to wear a mask when I go out, no one wants to be within six feet of me.
 

CommanderBacon

Arachnobaron
Joined
May 21, 2018
Messages
498
Yes, yes. The infamous Bacon Bits ‘N Pieces line. I rock a full spread Grammastola in an eight prong setup on my pinky finger. I don’t need to wear a mask when I go out, no one wants to be within six feet of me.
It works better than chicken feet!
 

viper69

ArachnoGod
Old Timer
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
17,851
Hey everyone,

I am new to this world of pet tarantulas and am trying to learn about the molting process.

What happens to the old carapase/exuviae after the tarantula sheds?
Am I supposed to throw it out?

I'm struggling to find information about it.

Thanks,
-A
Nothing
Up to you
 

jc55

Arachnoknight
Joined
Apr 3, 2014
Messages
230
I used to keep them when i first started in the hobby but once my collection started to grow it ujst became to many to keep so like others have said totally your choice.
 

Kitara

Arachnodemon
Joined
Jun 21, 2019
Messages
761
I used to keep mine for size comparison, but when you have several spiders that becomes unsustainable.
I have 12 and still keep them. I just keep them in ziploc bags with their name in sharpie. Super fancy lol.
 

Neonblizzard

Arachnomoron
Joined
Mar 3, 2021
Messages
611
They make wonderful Christmas tree decorations, coasters, rearview mirror baubles, also good to keep on your work keyboard so no one messes with your computer. Excellent to put in the Halloween candy bowl outside the house.
Possibilities are endless tbh
 

Frogdaddy

Arachnoprince
Joined
Nov 13, 2019
Messages
1,067
Has a coworker ever taken your food or can of pop from the employee fridge?
Not with a T. stirmi molt guarding it they won't.
 

Blueandbluer

Arachnobaron
Joined
Mar 17, 2015
Messages
495
also good to keep on your work keyboard so no one messes with your computer. Excellent to put in the Halloween candy bowl outside the house.
Possibilities are endless tbh
Funny, though don't try this with New World exuvia, unless you want to get sued by little Timmy's mom when he goes blind from getting urticaria in his eyes!

Many many years ago my sister used to have a rose hair exuvium that she kept on her windowsill as decoration. It got knocked onto her bed and she didn't notice, she slept on top of the thing. I don't have to tell you how sorry she was.
 
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