How long before declaring dead?

[SpunkySpider]

Hello everyone,

I’m sad/worried about my female
Grammostola pulchra, who I believe has died, but I know tarantulas can surprise you.

She has her legs mostly curled under her and does not move even when touched. I just completed a 700 mile move with her in a small enclosure I’ve moved her in before. She was in the car or house with a/c the entire trip, but when I went to put her back in her large tank, she was like this. I put wet paper towels around and near her and no change.

I feel terrible- I’ve moved her multiple times, but I've had her over 20 years and I should have considered that she’d be more fragile now. I worry her hydration was not proper or she stressed or who knows.

Her abdomen near her Spinnerets is turning white today. I feel that’s not a good sign. She’s never looked like this.

Is there any hope left, or has Spunky died?
Thanks.

 

[Rs50matt]

Can you post pictures? Is the white by the spinnerets mold or poo? Atm it's hard to say anything or give advice ,sorry

 

[SpunkySpider]

Can you post pictures? Is the white by the spinnerets mold or poo? Atm it's hard to say anything or give advice ,sorry

Here you go. Every time I look at her I feel less optimistic.

 

[Rs50matt]

Sorry to say but imo I'd say she has passed. You've had her for a long time and she looks good so I'd say it was just her time.

You could leave her for a few days to make absolutely sure and hopefully I am wrong

 

[SpunkySpider]

Sorry to say but imo I'd say she has passed. You've had her for a long time and she looks good so I'd say it was just her time.

You could leave her for a few days to make absolutely sure and hopefully I am wrong

I’ve been watching and hoping for a few days, and am wondering how long I should continue that. Thanks for your comforting words- I feel terrible since she was definitely alive at the beginning of the move.

 

[Thistles]

The sniff test never fails. Sorry

 

[Rs50matt]

I think it's just unfortunate timing. Weather you moved or not I think she would have gone.

 

[Nunua]

I agree with @Rs50matt - She was an old lady so it was probably just her time. Passing away during the move seems more like an unfortunate coincidence than your mistake.
Sorry for your loss

 

[Casey K.]

That appears to be some type of mold growing on her abdomen. She is along the older age for her genus. Sometimes they can live longer but I'd say 20 years was a good run for her. Terribly sorry for your loss. You'll know for certain when she starts to have that "decaying" smell. It's awful. I hope you find a new T baby soon. Perhaps a G. pulchra sling will help you feel better. It won't replace the one you lost but certainly can make a difference in how you feel just watching the baby grow!

 

[SpunkySpider]

Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts. I had already waited a few days before posting, and the smell started as the white (mold?) did, and her abdomen seemed to be deflating, so I buried her in the garden this afternoon.