Mexican redknee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) spiderling showing size perspective relative to two ounce condiment cup. Click/double click image to enlarge.
I purchased several containers in anticipation of the arrival of five captive-bred spiderlings, who, by the way, spent a week in the US Mail in mid-January….
Anyway, all arrived healthy and ready to go into an enclosure with appropriate food and moisture.
All five looked AWFULLY small in their new enclosures.
Knowing that small enclosures are essential for successful rearing of tiny tarantula spiderlings, I quickly reviewed Michael Jacobi’s overview of spiderling rearing and went off in search of two-ounce condiment cups with lids.
One of the problems in procuring these cups is the fact that they are sold in lots of 2,500, just 2,495 more than I needed. Of course the lids are sold separately…
I stopped by O’Charley’s (who I had noticed has black cups with transparent lids during a previous visit), told them of my plight, and was promptly given five cups with lids.
Yes, Marian and I had dinner there the following weekend.
It was immediately apparent that the combination of black plastic cup, clear plastic lid with five evenly spaced indentations (perfect for puncturing with a dissecting pin), and readily available coconut fiber animal bedding were ideal for early housing and care of the spiderlings.
The five individuals, comprising three species (Brachypelma smithi, Brachypelma albopilosa and red phase Grammostola rosea), have been very different in how they use and excavate their space.
Lynne Kelly, author of Spiders: Learning to Love Them, asked that I post some images of how I’m rearing these youngsters. I do take for granted how broad a range of species we can work with in the U.S. relative to those in countries with more stringent regulations, like Lynne in Australia.
The next three entries will deal specifically with each species and the species-specific differences I’m observing.
Stay tuned!
I am staying glued to this spot. This is something I could never see here in Australia.
I am thinking that a tarantula spiderlings should be in my future as well… I am going see if anyone is breeding these in Alberta. Thanks for the link to Jacobi’s site.
BTW… The Bug Whisperer has been supplanted by my new blog, Splendor Awaits.
Thanks, Adrian. I’m now subscribed!
Aw, it’s so cute! Love your little spiderling.
I totally love how you show simple everyday packages are being used for raising arthropods. I’ve used sundae containers with attached lids (purchased in bulk and sitting around for years), reused ice cream containers, reused yogurt cups, and reused peanut butter jars to raise Lepidoptera. I’m looking forward to reading how your spiderlings are faring.
That is the most adorable little baby spider I’ve ever seen. And that’s a lot, coming from an arachnophobe! You older one is getting all growed up too!