This individual shows the characteristic dully-shiny black abdomen and reduced activity indicating a molt is about to occur (December 8, 2012). Click image to enlarge.
The molt took place on December 10, 2012. I was able to get the exoskeleton immediately after the molt. The clearly viewable spermathecae above the gonopore make clear that this individual is female. Thanks to Jen Newman and Paul Lawniczak for confirming gender. Click image to enlarge.
Freshly molted spider and shed exoskeleton from December 10, 2012 molt. Image taken December 11, 2012. Click image to enlarge.
MERRY CHRISTMAS DAVE!!
Thanks, Rob. Likewise! Hope to see you at BugShot 2013.
[...] individuals from the trio purchased in January, 2o11 were also determined to be female on December 10, 2012 and December 15, 2012. One remains, and does not appear to be in any hurry to molt. Regardless of [...]