Curious behavior H. pulchripes

[Poppy2020]

I have a H. pulchripes who is about 2.5”and has a very plump bottom. Just found him/her flat on back as if to molt but instead got up and went back to hide. I didn’t intentionally disturb in any way....maybe felt vibrations of me entering room? Anyone ever witness anything like this? Healthy and great appetite otherwise. Took a roach two days ago. Just chillin?

 

[octanejunkie]

I've had Ts do similar on occasion. Very likely testing the waters setting up to molt. I wouldn't be surprised if it molted in the next 24 hours.

Pics of that booty can hurt. Pics of the spider, too

 

[Poppy2020]

I've had Ts do similar on occasion. Very likely testing the waters setting up to molt. I wouldn't be surprised if it molted in the next 24 hours.

Pics of that booty can hurt. Pics of the spider, too

I tried to get a pic but spidey is super fast and gone before any chance. This one is very skittish and nervy. S/he has an elaborate tunnel of webbing down into hide—very cool. Colors are remarkable. If I can ever get a pic I’ll post.

 

[Poppy2020]

Dunno.....must’ve been trying out a space to molt. Came home today and s/he was just hanging out—went to take a closer look and s/he disappeared.

 

[octanejunkie]

Stoopid spooder

 

[Poppy2020]

Not stoopid just wicked fast!!

 

[octanejunkie]

Not stoopid just wicked fast!!

Wicked smaat, too

 

[Poppy2020]

Here s/he is—- have you ever seen a bigger booty on a H. pulchripes!? Def in premolt—- also unusual for him/her to hang out in this spot. Sorry for crappy photo but it’s the best I could do!! Only time, so far— s/he didn’t bolt back down tunnel.

 

[octanejunkie]

Yep, I have

Loves that top corner

 

[Poppy2020]

Yep, I have
View attachment 54660
Loves that top corner

I think my H. pulchripes’bottom is bigger than yours! HA!

 

[Oursapoil]

I have one doing the same thing
I caught her like this a few times thinking it was going to molt....but in fact it was just her on her back from falling as it tried to climb the enclosure

 

[Poppy2020]

I have one doing the same thing
I caught her like this a few times thinking it was going to molt....but in fact it was just her on her back from falling as it tried to climb the enclosure View attachment 54661

Aw.... mine actually made a nice web bed and was flat on their back—this was two weeks ago? Still hasn’t molted. Hasn’t been eating— molt soon. I think he/she was testing the location

 

[Oursapoil]

Aw.... mine actually made a nice web bed and was flat on their back—this was two weeks ago? Still hasn’t molted. Hasn’t been eating— molt soon. I think he/she was testing the location

Or taking a nap

 

[octanejunkie]

Mine never hide as juveniles, and they web like crazy

I caught her like this a few times thinking it was going to molt....but in fact it was just her on her back from falling as it tried to climb the enclosure

Your enclosure looks really tall @Oursapoil I'd be cautious of falls

 

[Oursapoil]

Mine never hide as juveniles, and they web like crazy
View attachment 54662


Your enclosure looks really tall @Oursapoil I'd be cautious of falls

No worries, it is the angle of the picture. It is a 4x4 cube and with the dirt she doesn’t have high to fall from. Nothing pointy or rough either below. She must have been a daredevil in a previous life because except for eating, drinking and molting she doesn’t leave leave the walls