Can tarantulas throw up???

I'd appreciate any thoughts on this as it seems that one of my Ts has puked somewhat! I don't know what else it could be.

I fed 4 of my Ts pinky rats this weeks as I had 3 moms drop big litters and a few Ts that were due for a good meal. Since I've also read here many times that a T cannot overeat and die that way, I figured no harm if it was a bit bigger of a meal than they are used to.

All seem to be doing just fine and VERY fat! But my a. anax who is hanging of the side of her tank has a streak of clear liquid on the glass starting almost exactly where her mouth is and ending on the substrate in a little cumulative. In all, it doesn't seem like much liquid came out, I would guess no more than 1cc.

Since it's starting from very close to her mouth, I can only think that she regurged a bit of "matter".

Is this possible?
If so, why???
Is it possibly because she had eaten too much and something had to give and come out?

I am a bit worried as she is one of my favorite Ts... She is about 3 1/2" to 4" and otherwise in good shape. My T. blondi who is a bit smaller who also got a rat pink is fine and hasn't shown the same symptom...

Any ideas??

Thanks,
Pixie

Not to worry - this isn't a new occourence. I specifically recall people observing avics with the same behavior.

Heres one thread about a Chaco:
http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10808&highlight=drool

Try searching the forum for "drool".
:?

Pheewww!

Thanks for putting my mind at ease I was getting a bit worried there.

Interesting phenomenon this "drooling", I would love to know more about it but it seems that no one really knows what's going on when a T does this.

Would be interesting to have the liquid analyzed to know if it contains any digestive juices or venom to know the source of it and I guess figure out more what it's all about.

Pixie

RIESM!!

I think as long as it is clear and not white or chunky you should be okay

It's actually a secretion from either the coxal or cheliceral gland, nothing to worry about. A little is known about the coxal gland, but nothing is known of the cheliceral gland.

Hope this helps,
Steve

Hi Steve,

Yes, that info is very helpful! I will definitely be reading up more on these glands and other parts of tarantula anatomy and biology. I find these creatures absolutely fascinating to study.

Thanks,
Pixie

P.S. You wouldn't happen to know a Dannie (sorry, not sure of the spelling).

Originally posted by Pixie

P.S. You wouldn't happen to know a Dannie (sorry, not sure of the spelling).

Click to expand...

I'm not Steve, but I do happen to know that he Dannye's husband

Scott