Yuck - parasites

[Scott C.]

Anyone had any experience with giant parasites emerging from their T's abdomen? I would like to hear about the spread of such parasites if anyone has had any experiences. I'll post some pics of my first experience with this asap. I removed the entire enclosure of the deceased and put it in the freezer. Didn't have time for much else. I'm gonna take it to the place where I got it a couple weeks ago and show them. Maybe get a replacement if I'm lucky.

 

[metzgerzoo]

Ewww! I've never had that happen but I've heard it's rather common in WC Ts. I believe the Tarantula Keeper's guide addresses that a little bit.

 

[Scott C.]

.... I believe the Tarantula Keeper's guide addresses that a little bit.

Sure does. Just wondering if there are any experiences to be conveyed (Hopefully not for the 100th time. My search would have worked great if this was mites or nematodes or conversation regarding WC T's.) This T wasn't WC. Can't get pics until the batts. are charged.

 

[Scott C.]

Here's the pics....

 

[Scott C.]

There was a nasty sweet smell when I opened the enclosure. Hope it doesn't affect any of my other T's.

 

[MrMatt]

Can you give more information on this please? What size was the spider, how long have you had it, how long did the seller have it, and are you sure it was captive breed? I would seriously begin doubting it was.

Those large grubs are usually from wasps or flies. The only large ones I know of that go after tarantulas in the US are Hemipepsis 'tarantula hawks' and I'm sure anyone would have notice that in their tank. As far as 'spreading' to other T's, it won't happen.

 

[Henry Kane]

Gah! :evil:
I can never get used to seeing those things. I count myself thankful to have never witnessed that in person.

What I wonder is, has anyone allowed one of those...whatever they are..to develop?

Anyone ever had that experience with any old world species?


Atrax

 

[Hwarang]

Disgusting. But maybe You should keep it, and wait what is going to transform to...

 

[delta]

Disgusting. But maybe You should keep it, and wait what is going to transform to...

yep, good idea ..

 

[Pheonixx]

that is probibaly a "Tarantula hawk wasp" the tarantula keepers guide has pics of that exact thing.

 

[Scott C.]

T was purchased on 11/11/04. I was pretty sure that it was a male that was about to molt which is why I bought it. I can't get any info from the sellers because the head hancho is a doosh, and I wouldn't believe a thing he has to say. I guess I can't say 100% that it's CB, but I have seen the batch in the store for a while, spanning at least two molts. Is it common to have WC spiderlings? The deceased was about 1.75". The first thing I thought about was keeping the parasite. Next was stepping on the little bugger. The compromise was the freezer. I ditched it today after the store guy tried to convince me that the open wound on the T was nothing more than a bald spot common with the sp. :wall:
MrMatt- So it won't spread huh? Please don't take offense, but anything more convincing?

 

[delta]

that is probibaly a "Tarantula hawk wasp" the tarantula keepers guide has pics of that exact thing.

could be..

With her powerful mandibles, she drags the paralyzed tarantula to her burrow and lays a single egg on its body. The egg hatches into a larva which feeds on the tarantula.

 

[rbpeake1]

Wasp

Should not spread because wasps would not have had access to any of your other T's. The larva you saw crawl out is immature and would have to pupate to turn into a wasp.

This is quite common in butterfly and moth caterpillars. Wasps are a major control agent in keeping their populations down. One of nature's ways of insect control!

Sorry to hear about your T.

 

[Scott C.]

that is probibaly a "Tarantula hawk wasp" the tarantula keepers guide has pics of that exact thing.

Damn! Don't have my copy with me to compare. Oh well it will have to wait.

 

[Scott C.]

Should not spread because wasps would not have had access to any of your other T's. The larva you saw crawl out is immature and would have to pupate to turn into a wasp.

This is quite common in butterfly and moth caterpillars. Wasps are a major control agent in keeping their populations down. One of nature's ways of insect control!

Sorry to hear about your T.

If it is in fact a wasp... Thanks for the condolences.

 

[MrMatt]

Spreading

No offense taken. The only way it would spread would be if it was 'attacked' in your care and the culprit was able to get to your other T's. That would make the odds very likely it was a pepsis wasp. Again... you would notice that in your cage (they are quite large). Also they take quite a long amount of time to mature well over the month you had it. The grub itself poses no threat as it is immature so incapable of laying eggs in your other T's.

Parasitic wasps are well known for paralyzing their prey. In my experience tarantulas will eventually recover from this but takes many months. What was this T's behavior like while you had it? How large is the grub? It looks about an inch... is this accurate?

Hope this helps

 

[Scott C.]

I realize if it's a wasp thing I've nothing to worry about. The larvae is about an inch. Thanks for your input.
Behavior was common pre-molt behavior. It could move fine, or so it seemed.

 

[MrMatt]

I was pretty sure that it was a male that was about to molt which is why I bought it.

Just curious, what made you think it was premolt? Was it behaving 'unsually'?Slower, not eating? just wondering if there were any possible signs that it was being afflicted.

And I am sorry for your loss. That looked like a beautiful spider.


Sorry I missed the answer end of your last post.

 

[Scott C.]

I thought it was in pre-molt because of dull coloration, a very fat abdomen, it would not eat, and it was less skittish than seems to be normal with these guys. Also, it's siblings in the shop were a recent one molt ahead of this poor guy. Those could very well be symptoms from the ?infection?. (not sure if that's the right word for this.

 

[Bean]

Take a look here .

If you scroll down a bit, you'll see my contribution about a "cb" C. fasciatum , around the same size as yours.