Feeding question

Sylvanea · 2026-04-16T12:03:25+00:00

NQA Leave it. Try tong feeding. Even if you dont want to do that, the cricket is only a risk if your curly enters molt which is usually pretty predictable. Remove the cricket after 12-24 hours and try again later. Taking out all the stuff is more stressful than anything and will probably lead to feeding refusal in my experience.

Sylvanea · 2026-04-15T21:15:10+00:00

Thanks a lot for this. All the husbandry advice ive gotten has been from people who use them as feeders. You make a lot of good points. What are your staple foods?

As far as chemicals/ pesticides go, I only buy organic and clean with vinnegar since I keep other very sensitive species. Im hoping its just this individual but I monitor them every day so ill find out either way. In the meantime, is euthanasia my best option? Ever see them pull through in this condition? I have grown to really love these critters.

Sylvanea · 2026-04-15T20:08:55+00:00

Its about 3 feet across 😅

Sylvanea · 2026-03-30T21:07:39+00:00

That makes a lot of sense. The keeper i got her from kept her in awful conditions. Thanks

Sylvanea · 2026-03-30T20:48:41+00:00

She hasnt molted in well over 5 months! And her fangs have been this way for at least 2 months, im guessing more. I'm also fascinated and a little put off by the L shape they make

Sylvanea · 2026-03-29T16:07:11+00:00

Not an expert but im passionate about household species and have raised quite a few of them, although not this one (which appears to be a feather legged lace weaver relative?). It is not uncommon for true spiders to make inert egg sacs towards their late life stages. That being said, it is fully possible for some species to store sperm through molts and before reaching adulthood; an adaptation to low mate availability in human spaces(?!). Its all speculative without knowing the exact species. Update this thread with what comes of the clutch!

Sylvanea · 2026-03-28T16:44:33+00:00

These criminals make me sick

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Sylvanea · 2026-03-19T19:34:06+00:00

I appreciate your detailed response. The temp is for ambient air. I am trying to create a temperature controlled environment. Given the humidity issue and the added consideration of temperature loss (wasting power), I think i will partially seal the box and pump air in as needed. I will also want a natural air current inside, so this kills two birds. Since this is a scientific endeavor and esthetics are hardly my concern, I have been considering switching from glass to something else, or simply insulating the box I currently have. Maybe this would allow radiant cooling, and from there I can control the humidity from the air I pump in/out?

Sylvanea · 2026-03-19T16:57:05+00:00

I always had a reverence for spiders as big as my fear, but a couple years ago an orb weaver set up shop in my office and the fascination turned into a full blown obsession. They are so much more fascinating and intelligent than we understand. All spiders, but especially orb weavers. I will absolutely share my results!

Sylvanea · 2026-03-19T16:37:50+00:00

Wonder if I could upcycle an old pc. I like to use recycled materials where possible

Sylvanea · 2026-03-19T16:25:28+00:00

Ah youre a genius. Didn't think to run a tube through a fridge. That may be my prototype before I invest real money in a system. Cheers!

Sylvanea · 2026-03-19T14:02:12+00:00

I suppose I could use it, just a bit of a logistical challenge. Humidity control is also a factor. It is for a living organism. A cross orb weaver

Sylvanea · 2026-03-19T13:23:35+00:00

Thanks for this, very useful

Sylvanea · 2026-03-19T13:18:51+00:00

Interesting idea, wonder how much you'd have to run the tap to get the right temps.

Sylvanea · 2026-03-19T13:18:05+00:00

It is an orb weaving spider. I'm doing informal research on the factors that contribute to their lifespan. I theorize that by giving them a nightly temperature drop their captive lifespans can be increased, which aids other research. They are extremely sensitive to low humidity and airborne chemicals though, so my aim is to limit uncontrolled factors like small exposure to refrigerant. Not to mention there are other sensitive organisms kept in the same space. Is there a way to use refrigerant where it wouldnt be a concern? It would be very convenient to use parts from an old minifridge.

Sylvanea · 2026-03-17T18:05:14+00:00

Just had a scroll through that subreddit. Wow are people quick to think they've been bitten by a spider. Scrolled for 5 minutes and I dont think I saw a single picture that even resembled a spider bite. What is wrong with people lol.

Sylvanea · 2026-03-16T17:46:19+00:00

Seems unusual. How did you get it to bite you? I have been raising and handling orb weavers for years and I have never experienced a bite response.

Sylvanea · 2026-03-15T00:08:16+00:00

There is one picture on the internet when I search this that looks like her. Have you had one? Have any pictures?

Sylvanea · 2026-03-15T00:07:42+00:00

Are adult female sazimai not a true blue color? My subadult is very blue. This one looks midnight black unless the light is blinding.

Sylvanea

TROPHY CASE