If you are a novice keeper, molting is a process that intrigues curiosity, excitement, and apprehensions for the well-being of your eight-legged friend. When I started with this addicting hobby, the do’s and don’ts were not clear to me.
But with time, I experienced witnessing this process with all my collections, and that too with many times, I rather wait to observe and enjoy the growth of my tarantulas.
What is Molting?
Molting is a transformational process necessary for the growth of the tarantula. In this process, the tarantula sheds its exoskeleton, leaves behind an exactly-looking spider, and takes growth in its leg span and overall size. This remarkable feat occurs throughout their lives, from spiderlings to mature adults. However, frequency and timings vary as per their gender, age, and kind of species. Moreover, the quality of food also keeps your tarantula healthy and molt and hence grows at a faster pace.
This extraordinary process, akin to a mystical metamorphosis, is a crucial phase in the life of these eight-legged creatures. You will be embracing each molt as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of these remarkable arachnids.
Reasons for Molting
Tarantulas molt primarily to facilitate growth. As they outgrow their exoskeleton, it becomes rigid and restrictive, necessitating shedding for further development.
Additionally, molting enables tarantulas to replace damaged or worn-out body parts, including limbs and sensory organs.
Stages of Molting
The molting process is not instantaneous. The tarantula first prepares itself and undergoes three stages, pre-molt, molt, and post-molt. You need to understand the body language of your tarantula and act accordingly so that you are not creating any harm to it.
Pre-molt
The tarantula prepares its body when it enters this arduous process. The following signals can help you differentiate between the illness and the pre-molt stage.
Signs of Pre-Molting
There are some indications given by tarantula to understand when your tarantula enters pre-molt stage.
Fasting
The tarantula shows a reduced appetite during the pre-molt stage. But this fasting is of different duration for different species. For instance, Grammostola Rosea is known to fast for longer periods even when not in pre-molt. Therefore you must check for other signs also.
Shiny bulbous Abdomen
The tarantula develops a fleshy, shiny, and plumpy abdomen in this stage. The shininess is more evident in spiderlings than in their elders. The abdomen is comparatively dark and with less hair. A clean and bulbous abdomen of your tarantula is an indication of pre-molt.
The dark color of Abdomen
As the new exoskeleton forms under the old one, the two layers of skin give a dark impression of the color of the abdomen.
Slower and Lethargic Body
The tarantula becomes sluggish and opts for a sedentary lifestyle during this process. For instance, Green Bottle Blue Tarantula is an active tarantula but becomes inactive during its pre-molt.
Buried in its den
The tarantula likes to keep itself in “ Do Not Disturb” mode and remains buried in its den.
Molt-Mat
The tarantula constructs a hammock-like web mat to comfort itself. The New World Terrestrial tarantula creates a kind of layer by spinning a web on the surface and kicks off hair as a form of protection on this mat.
However, arboreal species sometimes build elevated hammocks off the ground for their molt mats or seal themselves in their funnel webs.
Secretion of Fluid
During this period, the tarantula secretes a fluid that softens the old exoskeleton, preparing it for removal.
Molting
The Molting of a tarantula may take around 15 minutes to a few hours depending on the type of species or its age. These are a few observations from my experience of molting my Chilean Rose, Curly hair, and Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula.
- The tarantula remains lying on its back and sometimes on one side.
- It has decreased activity
- A darker bald spot is visible on its body which is developed due to kicking off hair and stretch in the skin of the abdomen.
- Increased webbing around it
- Clear fluid droplets can be seen rolling between the joints, which works as a lubricant and helps soften of exoskeleton.
Ecdysis (Shedding): Ecdysis is the term for the actual exoskeleton shedding process. The tarantula usually starts the process by lying on its back and exposing its sensitive underside. The old exoskeleton divides along the belly and carapace, or cephalothorax, often beginning at the front and working its way backward.
Extraction of Legs: The tarantula starts to push its legs out of the former exoskeleton as soon as the split happens. This can be a delicate process, as the legs are quite fragile during this stage.
Abdominal Extraction: The tarantula gradually removes its abdomen from the former exoskeleton once its legs have been released. This step of the procedure is crucial since the tarantula’s respiratory organs, or book lungs, are found in the abdomen and any harm to them could be lethal.
Carapace Extraction: The tarantula finally removes its cephalothorax, or carapace, from the former exoskeleton. When a tarantula is fully free, it usually turns over on itself so that its newly formed soft exoskeleton may grow and solidify.
Post Molt
The tarantula’s newly formed exoskeleton is delicate and pliable after molting. Until its new exoskeleton solidifies, which may take many hours to days depending on the species and individual, it will stay in a comparatively passive state. To aid in the tarantula’s recuperation, you must provide a steady, high-humidity environment during this period.
Differences between Molting and Death Curl
Preparation for Molting
The tarantula is in a stressful situation during molting and therefore you can make some alterations to bring comfort to your tarantula. Creating a suitable environment is key to facilitating a successful molt.
Enclosure Requirements
As I observe and recognize that my tarantula is entering in pre-molt stage, I try to help by making certain changes in its habitat.
Temperature
I ensure that there is adequate space and ventilation in my tarantula’s enclosure. Depending upon the species, I adjust it between 68-82 degrees Fahrenheit range.
Humidity
Humidity plays a vital role in all the stages of molting, especially during shedding. A humid environment aids in the easy removal of an exoskeleton. So I prefer to provide a humidity level of more than 40% on the safer side.
Cleanliness
A clean habitat is a must especially when your tarantula is preparing to molt. This is for the reason that your tarantula will confine itself for a longer duration and bacterial or mold growth on any residual food particles can be fatal.
Fresh Substrate
If possible, provide a fresh substrate in the enclosure as you may not be able to do so later.
Removal of sharp objects
Remove any sharp or abrasive objects that may pose a risk during molting. Additionally, refrain from handling or disturbing the tarantula during the pre-molt phase to minimize stress.
Dietary Changes needed in Pre-molt
During the pre-molt phase, it is common for tarantulas to refuse food. This is entirely natural, as their bodies redirect energy toward the molting process. It is crucial not to force-feed a tarantula during this time, as they may regurgitate or become stressed, which can impede molting.
Assistance Required
In most cases, tarantulas molt successfully without human intervention. However, providing a suitable environment with proper humidity and temperature can aid in the molting process. Avoid handling or disturbing a tarantula during molting, as this can induce stress and potentially disrupt the delicate process.
Timing and Frequency
The frequency of molting varies depending on species, age, gender, and environmental conditions. Generally, young tarantulas molt more frequently than adults as they grow rapidly. Some species may molt several times a year, while others, especially mature adults, may only molt once every few years. A male once matured will not undergo the molting process again whereas female tarantulas show molting after attaining maturity. Females have a longer lifespan as compared to males.
Problems faced during Molting
This crucial process of molting is not a painful process for tarantula but there can be some complications as well such as
Slow or Asymmetrical molting
It is observed that if instead of lying on its back, the tarantula lies on one side of the body, it is not able to extract itself completely from the exoskeleton.
Struck molting
Tarantulas may encounter complications such as incomplete molts, where they fail to shed their entire exoskeleton or get trapped in their old exoskeleton. In such cases, resisting the urge to intervene immediately is imperative, as premature interference can be fatal.
Deforming
There is a possibility that the molting tarantula gets struck and loses its leg or a part of its leg. Additionally, twisted limbs, irregular body shapes, and other abnormalities are also observed after molting
Post Molt Care
If you suspect that your tarantula has molted, refrain from intervening immediately. Instead, provide a quiet, humid environment and monitor the situation closely. Seek assistance from knowledgeable individuals or professionals if necessary.
- Leave the tarantula alone: Avoid handling altogether, as your tarantula is extremely fragile after this process and needs time for its exoskeleton to harden.
- Dietary changes: Once the tarantula has fully hardened its new exoskeleton and is showing signs of activity, you can offer it a small prey item, such as a cricket or mealworm, to eat. You should provide suitable levels of humidity inside the enclosure by providing fresh water.
- Monitor for Signs of Complications: Keep an eye on the tarantula for any signs of complications, such as difficulty moving, abnormal behavior, or failure to eat. If you notice any issues, consult with a vet experienced in treating exotic pets.
- Handling the Exoskeleton: Once it has finished molting, the tarantula will shed its old exoskeleton, a complex shell that once belonged to it. This so-called exuvium is an interesting relic that offers important information about the development and well-being of the tarantula. You should not quickly react to pick the exoskeleton. Sometimes tarantula rolls itself into the lying exoskeleton or eats a part of it to replenish its dietary deficit.To keep mold and mites from growing within the container, carefully remove the exoskeleton with the help of tweezers. Some enthusiasts decide to preserve exuviae as educational specimens or souvenirs.
- Gradually Resume Normal Care: After the tarantula has fully recovered from molting, you can gradually resume its normal care routine, including feeding and handling if desired. Make sure to continue providing a suitable environment and monitoring its health regularly.
Do’s and Don’ts During Molting Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What triggers the molting process in tarantulas?
Answer: Tarantulas undergo molting primarily due to hormonal changes triggered by factors like growth, environmental conditions, and reproductive maturity.
Question: How often do tarantulas molt and how long does the molting process typically last for a tarantula?
Answer: The frequency of molting in tarantulas varies with age and species. Juveniles molt more frequently, sometimes every few weeks, while adults may molt annually or less frequently. The entire molting process, from pre-molt to post-molt, can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size and species of the tarantula.
Question: Can I touch my tarantula after molting?
Answer: No, not at all. The tarantula is very fragile and you will pose some devastating and damaging effects to your tarantula by touching or handling.
Question: How do you know if a tarantula is about to molt?
Answer: Signs that a tarantula is about to molt include decreased appetite, increased lethargy, darkening of the exoskeleton, and the appearance of a bald spot on the abdomen.
Question: What I should do to care for my tarantula when it is entering molting?
Answer: During molting, it’s crucial to maintain high humidity levels in the tarantula’s enclosure to facilitate the molting process. Disturbances should be minimized to reduce stress.
Question: Is molting painful for my tarantula?
Answer: No, it is not a painful transformation but it makes your tarantula fragile and vulnerable.
Question: Do tarantulas normally eat their old exoskeleton after molting?
Answer: Yes, it’s common for tarantulas to consume their old exoskeleton after molting. This provides them with essential nutrients and helps in the hardening of their new exoskeleton.
Question: What risks are associated with molting in tarantulas?
Answer: Risks during molting include injury or death if the process is interrupted, complications arising from unsuccessful molting (such as being unable to shed the old exoskeleton), and vulnerability to predators.
Question: Can tarantulas die during molting?
Answer: Yes, tarantulas are vulnerable during molting, and if the process is disrupted or if complications arise, such as being unable to shed the old exoskeleton completely, it can lead to death.
Question: How can one tell if a tarantula has successfully molted?
Answer: Signs of a successful molt include a tarantula with a fresh, fully intact exoskeleton, vibrant coloration, and increased activity once the exoskeleton hardens.
