a.avic sexing

[katiekatelyn]

So my Dexter molted for the second time since I got him nearly 16 months ago. I'd say his leg span is about 5, maybe 5.5 inches, my second biggest so far. He doesn't have tibial hooks at this size, or "boxing gloves" on his palps. Does this mean Dexter is a female?

 

[MatthewM1]

At that size opening up the molt and checking sex should be very easy. I've never had a mature A. avic so I can't really speak for what size they general mature at but I would guess female as well.

 

[katiekatelyn]

No, the molt was stuck inside the funnel part of (her) web and came out kind of mangled.

 

[MatthewM1]

Ah I see, hate when stuff like that happens.

 

[katiekatelyn]

I don't think I've been able to save a single molt, and all of mine have molted at least three times or more apiece except for my t.stirmi and he is done molting.

 

[katiekatelyn]

Okay so I'm creepy and keep all their molts, I thought Dexter's was too mangled but I misted it and was able to see that the part I needed was fairly intact. So, as far as I can tell by comparing it to other pics of confirmed females, IT'S A GIRL!! I'm thinking that Dexter is going to stay Dexter...she (that's going to take some getting used to) was my second tarantula and I saved her from dying- she was in a death curl and couldn't walk without looking drunk so I did the ICU and she got better. This was well over a year ago. She's my miracle baby!