What should a molt-mat look like?

[Arborealis]

I've hear about molt-mats a couple of times on this board and a few of my tarantulas (mostly 1 1/2-3") have made what I assumed could be one, and then molted anywhere from a few days to a few weeks later.

The mats have basically just been a thin layer of silk laid over a small roundish area of the terrarium. Now my 4" G. Rosea has done the same thing right outside her hiding cave next to the piece of moss I mist to keep some moisture in. (I know they like the substrate dry so I don't want to mist that.) She has also been rather cranky and jumpy lately. Never displays but still makes it clear she wants nothing to do with me.

So my question is this: Does this sound like a molt-mat, and if not, what should a molt-mat look like so I'll know it when I see it?

Thanks ahead-of time for any feedback.

 

[fartkowski]

That sounds like a molt mat to me.

 

[ChondroGirl]

Several of my 4" to 5" females have also made molt mats. They are usually thin layers of webbing on the substrate covering the area around where they will be rolling over to molt. It may serve several purposes. It would alarm them if a predator were to approach while on their back and unable to see. And it may provide a protective barrier for their soft exoskeleton after molting.

Sounds to me like your T made a molt mat.

 

[Arborealis]

YAY! Maybe this means that he/she is not a grumpy spider after all, just getting ready to molt. When Chile-pepper does molt I'll be sure to post a picture to get him/her sexed.

 

[tckrouge]

A thick white layer of webbing on the ground. They do this to avoid, being hurt during molts because they're very vulnerable post-molt.