Recent content by Bodisky

The USDA used an ESM for the attempt at ID. But sending viable samples to them back then was a crapshoot. Often by the time I received the specimen, it was either dead or dying. I don't think they could get enough definition for teeth; head structure is what they went on for the ID. I'll review...

After dissecting hundreds of nematode-infested tarantulas, I concluded that the nematodes entered through the mouth. Once there they multiply. It was not unusual to find several stages of nematodes in one sample from the mouth. Nematodes thrive in the moist environment, once that is gone, they...

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Very interesting! I know some marine parasites are symbiotic. It is interesting to note that some scientists have observed and/or collected tarantulas living with nematodes in a symbiotic relationship. Although, the biological interaction mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic is unknown. At...

She has a new home. Thanks, everyone for the replies!

So true. I'm in my 60's and still learning every day.

Hey! My name is Kerry and I've been keeping T's since 1995. I am a retired microbiologist/researcher/grant writer. I am a founding member of the Research Institute for Exotic Species, a lab now absorbed by another lab. We were the first to document and microscopically photograph the nematode...

Located in North Texas. She is about 8 inches approx. This pic was taken in 2019. She is too big to ship safely.