Recent content by Stan Schultz

I'd wait. It's likely to molt within the next 90 days or so, and its current caging isn't disastrously cramped. Better to be safe than sorry. Be careful here. It isn't just a "...darkening in the abdomen/butt area." What you're looking for is such a darkening under the BARE SKIN, where the...

You'll probably not get banned from the forum for doing so, but it's considered good form to pose only one topic (e.g., question, observation, suggestion, etc.) per thread. Also, just as a suggestion, since you have so many questions, may I recommend that you go to your friendly, neighborhood...

First, based on the relative size of the fangs compared to the size of the sternum ("chest" plate, but remember that tarantulas do not really possess a chest), and the relative proportions of the epigynal plate, I'd judge that there's a 75% chance that it's a male. But, do not despair. You...

I'm starting this thread in an effort to foment a discussion on handling tarantulas. No, I've not taken the time to do a global search on the topic. At 80 years old, I can't afford to waste that much time. Even then, I'd do it anyway, just to keep our current state of knowledge and opinions up...

A Another data point on my chart, trying to prove that tarantulas aren't just stupid, witless bugs (like crickets, for instance). That brain of theirs FUNCTIONS!

They are gorgeous creatures. And get quite large. Can you possibly use your cell phone to get a really good photo of it's "belly" (technically called a venter, which is defined as the ventral side of its abdomen or opsthosoma)? I'm attaching two photos to show you what I mean. These photos are...

I've never heard of such behavior, but I wouldn't be too surprised if it were true. Tarantulas do a lot of things that we merely take for granted, but that are absolutely amazing when you sit down and think about it. An alternative explanation might be that this is merely a coincidence. You...

A little basic tarantula anatomy and physiology: Almost all tarantulas are built almost like little, hermetically sealed bottles. Their exoskeletons are coated or infused with a waxy substance that prevents water escape. However, there are a few instances where that's not true. For instance, as...

The webpage that I referred to in one of my previous postings is now up and running at Substrate. You should definitely visit that link, and read and heed it. In fact, after reading that page, it might not be a bad idea for you to go back up to the home page of the Spider's Calgary website, and...

BTW, I did some "photoshopping" on your photo (img_9578.jpeg), and I'm pretty sure (80% or more) that "him/he" (sic) is really a "her/she." Congratulations. Stan

For the record, as of 2024-01-07, cobalt blue tarantulas are now known as Cyriopagopus lividus to the scientific community, king baboons are now called Pelinobius muticus.

The majority of captive tarantulas do not burrow when kept in cages, regardless of how thick you keep the substrate. The two clear exceptions to this general rule are cobalt blue tarantulas, and king baboon tarantulas. There may be others that I don't know about. And regardless of rules we try...

My personal take on the issue is that live plants and tarantulas don't belong in the same cage together. Their requirements are contradictory and the entire endeavor is risky at best. Yes, I know. A lot of people keep them together anyway. The problem is that few are willing to admit to their...

True. Except that it uses up available resources like your time and your money, which could be better spent on other aspects of your hobby. What? I think you're confusing calcium with protein. Even then, I think you're still in error. Both are required by all multicellular organisms. While...

Congratulations! Undeniably a female. Stan