P. irminia question

[Storm76]

Hey there,

I know that usually they grow overall darker and close their hide with webbing and substrate, but since I got her (last Tuesday) she basically closed her corkbark tube with substrate only and I'm reluctant to throw a cricket in there really (kinda worried she might get hurt). Now, I do have some superworms, too, and I could probably put one in a way that it does crawl into that hide, but I am really not wanting to stress her. I know she hasn't eaten for like 2 weeks since the last time she was fed, but as thruthetrees already suggested she could be in premolt even. Any suggestions what I should do? Leave her alone, keeping just humidity alright, or try throwing in some food and if so, which?

I am absolutely positive, that she wasn't out of her tube even once ever since she closed it from the inside. I did refill her water though and mist the tank some for humidity to stay between 70-80%. Temperature currently is around 25°C since it's night. Daytime around 28°C


Pic of her size (she's a subadult female, about 3 cm BL) and the closed hide.


I used the search function but coulnd't find anything helpful for this situation. Just had to ask this stuff, since yes, I am kinda worried currently. Don't have a problem with her being reclusive, just that she closes herself up in instead ob webbing is kinda weird.

[jakykong]

Bearing in mind I've only owned a P. irminia for about 3 days, I haven't seen this particular behavior, there are some general tips I can offer.

First of all, P. irminia is an arboreal tarantula. What you have looks to me like more of a terrestrial setup (and it doesn't *look* humid, although looks can be deceiving). She needs height, stuff to climb on. Check out RobC's P. irminia care sheet for info on housing: http://www.arachnophiles.com/Psalmopoeus-Sp-.php (Note: care sheets can be useful sometimes, but it's not gospel!)

Given that, it could be showing signs of stress due to not having a more vertical setup. Mine (3") is in a 5 gallon long turned on its side, with about 5" of substrate (and a cork tube, which it has decided is less interesting than the silk plant). She's made a tube near-ish the bottom of the plant and stays at the entrance.

Second, the tarantula WILL NOT STARVE. It's going to take a lot more than 2 weeks without food to starve it. Try months. Probably many months. If you're not comfortable giving it food, then don't.

Hope this helps!

---------- Post added 02-12-2012 at 02:18 AM ----------

For what it's worth, tarantulas in the wild will close themselves off if they don't have enough humidity. It lets them retain the humidity that is there. And, of course, premolt is a possibility, but I think the enclosure is more likely the issue.

Search the boards for pictures of P. irminia enclosures (or avic enclosures - same idea - or really, any arboreal enclosure.) to get some ideas.

[HighFlyer]

Since you've only had her since Tuesday, it's possible that she needs time to acclimate to the new environment. Like ^^ said, she will not starve so don't worry. Maintain humidity and be patient.

[TarantulaKid]

Many tarantulas close their shelter with substrate before molting. Dont worry about feeding, my B.boehmei 2" refused food for 3 months and then ate and he is perfectly good. Try giving your tarantula arboreal setup so she can climb and make silken web tubes for retreats. My P.cambridgei slings always cover their webbing with substrate.

[Chris_Skeleton]

You need to get a taller enclosure and provide a lot more substrate. P. irminia burrow and will use the burrows as their hide.

[SamuraiSid]

Many tarantulas close their shelter with substrate before molting. Dont worry about feeding, my B.boehmei 2" refused food for 3 months and then ate and he is perfectly good. Try giving your tarantula arboreal setup so she can climb and make silken web tubes for retreats. My P.cambridgei slings always cover their webbing with substrate.

sneaky bastard!!! cant wait to get my hands on these.

[Toogledoo]

I agree with what everyone else said. Also, if mine did this, I would assume molting. Good luck!

[RyTheTGuy]

I dont have a P. irminia, but my G. pulchripes do the same thing.

My P.cambridgei slings always cover their webbing with substrate.

Mine loves putting substrate on her webs.

[jakykong]

I dont have a P. irminia, but my G. pulchripes do the same thing.


Mine loves putting substrate on her webs.

What kind of vial is that? It looks nifty.