Premotl question

[Christell Erasmus]

Hi there

Can anyone please tell me if my little Brachypelma Boehmei is in premolt? She hasn't eaten in two weeks. I am worried because she is the smallest tarantula I have ever owned and if my other Brachypelmas as ferocious eaters.

 

[Nada]

looks to be, but at that size they're almost always in pre-molt.

 

[Sabeth]

I'd say she is. When my slings were that little they usually went about 2 weeks without eating during premolt, and they molted every month!

 

[Spidershed]

I would say no it isnt in premoult. I have 33 of these, bought as 0.5cm slings which are now around 1/2 inch and they get fed once a month.
They was last fed on 17th Feb but when i went to feed them a few days ago they was all in premoult so I'll feed them next month if they have moulted by then (if not it will be the month after).
For that size sling to be in premoult the abdomen would need to be much fuller and more shiny.
The substrate does look very wet though, maybe that is what is why it is not feeding ?

 

[Spidershed]

This is a B emilia sling of about 3/4inch in premoult.
Apart from the dark colouration under the skin of the abdomen where the new hairs are growing, the abdomen is very shiny, this to me is more of an indication that it is about to moult.
(bad picture taken with iphone and enlarged)

 

[Christell Erasmus]

Thank you for your replies.
I guess only time will tell