uh oh

[JZC]

I woke up to find my juvie female G. pulchra in a weird position (no death curl) and limp. She didn't respond to being touched by tongs. Any idea what might be wrong?

 

[Formerphobe]

If limp and unresponsive, she may be dead. They don't all die in a death curl.

 

[JZC]

If limp and unresponsive, she may be dead. They don't all die in a death curl.

That's what I was afraid of..I'll have to check her again when I get home.

 

[philthyxphil]

Do some research on the ICU. Empty container and damp paper towels. I have no experience with using it, but have seen others report good results.

 

[JZC]

Great news!

Appears to have been a false alarm, I just checked to find her in a contorted pose next to an exuvia, looking very much alive!

 

[Formerphobe]

Great news!

Appears to have been a false alarm, I just checked to find her in a contorted pose next to an exuvia, looking very much alive!

Excellent!
Most will get very sluggish prior to a molt. If she was molting in an atypical position, she may have been unable to respond. That's why it is always recommended to not throw them out until you've proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are deceased.

 

[Hanska]

It's always nice when these things end this way. "OMG I think my spider's dead!...No wait, just molting"

 

[JZC]

It's always nice when these things end this way. "OMG I think my spider's dead!...No wait, just molting"

Yeah right? Lol, I was thinking she might have a molt coming, in my defense, but for some reason weird pose and no real movement when touched=dead.

Come to think of it though, she'd been refusing food for over a month, laying down a bunch of web, and walking around aimlessly rubbing off some urticating hair...hindsight is 20/20

 

[Hanska]

Yeah right? Lol, I was thinking she might have a molt coming, in my defense, but for some reason weird pose and no real movement when touched=dead.

Come to think of it though, she'd been refusing food for over a month, laying down a bunch of web, and walking around aimlessly rubbing off some urticating hair...hindsight is 20/20

I had a similar experience with a small rosie. It was leaning on one side in a weird posture, like a SUV with its right side tires removed not responding. Thank god it popped it's carapace before I had to leave for work.