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Dead tarantula?

aragog Sep 07, 2007 02:56 PM

This morning when I headed out I noticed Aragog looking awkwardly fisted up. I hoped (still hoping) that he is molting, but this is nothing like I've read about anywhere, and he's still in the exact same position as when I left him seven hours ago. It looks like some fluid seeped out of him near his spinnerets.

I just got back from a trip on Monday, but while I was away he was with someone. When I returned I checked on him and he was moving, had food (crickets), and water.

As far as I can tell, his environment hasn't changed. There aren't any plants near him except for one in his tank, so nothing could have sprayed into his tank. His tank is covered with a screen on top, so nothing could have gotten in to attack him either.

I don't want to bury him prematurely, but I also don't want to have a decomposing spider in my bedroom no matter how much I like him.

How long do you think I should wait to see if he's still there?

Thanks!
Aragog

Replies (3)

TheVez2 Sep 09, 2007 11:05 AM

It is definitely bleeding. I'd nudge him to see if there is any life left. If so, then try to seal up the wound with superglue and get him to an ICU ASAP! He has likely lost lots of fluid and thats why it is in a clenched up state. Try to put it directly over a watersource to see if it will drink.

If there is no movement left in it, then it is probably too late.
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KJ Vezino
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Aragog Sep 09, 2007 03:02 PM

Thanks for replying! I didn't notice the bleeding until after I got home from work, and I forgot about superglue. It's too late now. His abdomen is currently almost non existant. I don't know his body is drying out that fast or something I can't see is eating him. I've only had him for about 5 months.

I'm now keeping a small single-use tube next the tank for when I get another spider.

TheVez2 Sep 09, 2007 10:43 PM

No, he just bled to death. Hemplymph cannot clot on its own. Therefore left untreated a wound will just keep bleeding unitl all (or most) of the hemolymph is drained from the body. I can see quite a pool on the substrate and much more has probably soaked in underground as well. Sorry for your loss.
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KJ Vezino
My Gallery

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

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