When can I remove the molt?

[gvfarns]

My first T molted last night for the first time since I got her. She's a 5 inch G. aureostriata (well, she was 5 inches). I'm eager to get her shed exoskeleton and examine it but I find conflicting opinions on the subject. Some authors say not to remove the exoskeleton for several days (apparently because that is stressful to the spider) others say to nab it right away while it's not too brittle and before she munches on it.

Can I just grab the exoskeleton now with my tongs (she has one leg resting on it) or is it really better to wait? Is there really any downside to removing her shed exoskeleton right away?

 

[Moltar]

As long as you can get it without really disturbing her then do it. It's MUCH easier to sex a molt while it's still wet. If you want to keep it you can arrange the legs and palps before it dries and they'll stay in that position.

 

[gambite]

I have always grabbed it ASAP, and never had problems.

 

[Keith1212]

I have always grabbed it ASAP, and never had problems.

Same here. And arranging it before it dries is easy.

 

[harveythefly]

also just an aside...if you can't get the molt before it dries i've had really good luck rehydrating exuvia using a regular steam iron...you just set the iron upright and hit the button for a continuous steam jet and run the molt through the steam for a little while...it's a really good method to use for sexing older molts if you can't get them out before they get too crispy

Harvey

 

[gvfarns]

Good deal. I pulled the molt out slowly with tongs. It did seem to scare her and she walked away in a rather less graceful manner than I'm used to. But the skin was really easy to lay out and take pictures of (I did spray it with water a bit out of paranoia). I only had the breeder's word on her gender, but I was able to take some pics that certainly seem female to me. I posted one here so I could get some opinions on my guess.

Anyway now she is sitting all spread out picturesque and tarantula-like and I'm a happy man with my trophy skin. Thanks for your input!

 

[thedude]

female