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Male rose hair, almost full size...

Buggzter Jul 03, 2007 08:09 PM

This is Dusty. We've had him almost 3 weeks, and he's always had that bright rosy body that I've heard means he's about to shed. How long does that usually last? Is he really the Chilean Common aka Rose Hair Tarantula? I've heard that there is one very similar that is usually pink in body, but I'm not sure if that was accurate information or not... Thanks! We also have 2 babies, 3 months old. Pics soon - they are about to shed for the second time for us! YAY! lol! Frisky creatures...

~Buggzter
1:0:2 Rose hair Ts
0:0:1 unknown T
1:1 collard lizard
3:1 blud bellied fence lizards
0:0:1 iguana
0:0:1 glass lizard
1:0 frilled dragon
1:1:1 ball pythons
1:0 Burmese python
0:1 toddler
1:0 fiance who helps feed my addiction...

Replies (5)

Buggzter Jul 03, 2007 08:10 PM

...

TheVez2 Jul 05, 2007 08:08 AM

Your Chilean rose (Grammostola rosea) looks great! That pink/coppery color does not indicate an upcoming molt. That is how they look normally. It sometimes fades, or looks worn when they are wild caught, but after they shed that's what they look like.
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KJ Vezino
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American Tarantula Society
British Tarantula Society
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Buggzter Jul 06, 2007 10:44 PM

He's beautiful, in my opinion... I read somewhere that they get rosier right before a moult b/c it's the other exoskelleton growing underneith. So how do I tell that he's about to moult (when it does actually happen - we've also two spiderlings that I'd like more notice on, too)? I know if he's on his back that it's happening, but what preceeds it? thanks!
~Krystie

TheVez2 Jul 09, 2007 08:59 AM

The carapace will not change, it may get a little duller as it gets older, but no changes form a molt upcoming. What will change is the abdomen will get darker. But you'll never see this unless the T has kicked off a bald patch. Bald patches are normally pink/tan colored. If it starts to turn dark grey or black then it is about 1-2 weeks away from molting. That dark color is the new abdomen hairs coming in under the old skin.

Depending on their size, you may be able to see this on the slings, but on a full grown one, only if it is bald.
-----
KJ Vezino
My Gallery

American Tarantula Society
British Tarantula Society
Nebraska Tarantula Enthusiasts Club
Wiccan Tarantula Circle

pavel Jul 27, 2007 09:18 PM

Mine tends to look less colorful as time goes. But then too she's old enough that there is a great deal of time between molts.

Don't be surprised if your Chileans don't flip on their backs to molt. I've been fortunate to catch mine in the act of molting a few times. She has molted lying on her side as well as rightside up. [By the way, if you see yours trying to molt in a position other than laying on its back, resist the urge to try & help it by flipping it onto its back. Molting is a delicate time for them. ]

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