Is my C darlingi dying?

[Julespooks]

I found what I think to be mites in my darlingi's enclosure so I rehoused him right away. I didn't have any proper substrate left and stores were closed so I used potting soil in another empty enclosure as a temporary solution. I came home today and he was lying on his back so I thought he could be molting. I did feed him a few days though so it was a bit strange. It's been 3 hours and he's still like this. Did the tarantula somehow die? I've never seen a tarantula die on its back before

 

[birdonfire]

Did the fertilizer kill him?

 

[Julespooks]

I didn't even think about the fertilizer, I was freaking out):

 

[Tarantulafeets]

Does it still respond to stimuli? Anything with fertilizer is a no no, probably what caused it. Next time try to stick with organic topsoil or coco fiber or something.

 

[Julespooks]

Does it still respond to stimuli? Anything with fertilizer is a no no, probably what caused it. Next time try to stick with organic topsoil or coco fiber or something.

I normally use substrate with coco fiber in it. I just ran out and didn't think it through. It's definitely dead:/ just have to be more cautious next time

 

[Tarantulafeets]

I normally use substrate with coco fiber in it. I just ran out and didn't think it through. It's definitely dead:/ just have to be more cautious next time

Sorry for your loss

 

[octanejunkie]

Sorry for the loss

Was it a mature male? Do I see emboli?

 

[Kazegal]

There's definitely emboli visible on that picture.

 

[octanejunkie]

There's definitely emboli visible on that picture.

Could have just been his time...

 

[Oursapoil]

Seeing this now I was going to say this mature male likely died of old age as well
No need to feel sad, he looks like he had a great life.

 

[Julespooks]

Seeing this now I was going to say this mature male likely died of old age as well
No need to feel sad, he looks like he had a great life.

I don't think he was a fully mature male. But I did end up realizing I didn't use soil that was good for him. My mistake and I'll definitely try to be more careful for my others

 

[Oursapoil]

I don't think he was a fully mature male. But I did end up realizing I didn't use soil that was good for him. My mistake and I'll definitely try to be more careful for my others

Definitely a fully matured male. Please do not be hard on yourself.
Have a nice day.

 

[jaymiepereiro]

Definitely a fully matured male. Please do not be hard on yourself.
Have a nice day.
View attachment 59320

How does this show you that he’s a mature male? Still learning!

 

[JACEY]

IME looks like he's molting. No inward death curl angle of the legs. Google Tarantula death curl you'll see what I mean. My curlys eat up to couple days before molt. Different species different habits. good luck.

 

[JACEY]

How cute the little mitten like petepulps.

 

[WolfSpider]

My buddy, Ourspoil, was showing you tibial hooks.... just before the second joint on the front legs. When male tarantulas mature, they undergo some impressive changes. Their legs become thin and lanky, their pedipalps become embolic with hemolymph (they look like there are boxing gloves at the ends of the pedipalps) AND most species get hooks on the tibias of the first two legs. These hooks are used to grasp a female in a stand up position, usually under her fangs, so he can mate with her.
Check Ourspoil's pic again, you will be able to see the hooks. He and I believe your male died of old age--not due to the soil.
SO.....please don't beat yourself up.

 

[WolfSpider]

IME looks like he's molting. No inward death curl angle of the legs. Google Tarantula death curl you'll see what I mean. My curlys eat up to couple days before molt. Different species different habits. good luck.

Sorry, friend.. That is a death curl. Many old males die on their backs.

 

[Julespooks]

IME looks like he's molting. No inward death curl angle of the legs. Google Tarantula death curl you'll see what I mean. My curlys eat up to couple days before molt. Different species different habits. good luck.

Unfortunately he definitely passed away):

 

[JACEY]

Ohhhh ughhh
I thought the legs had to turn inward for the curl.
So much continued learning.
Thank you friend.