Sexing Phlogius Prosperpine

[Downunderspiders92]

Hey everyone!

long time reader, and decided to join up to ask with help sexing my T

s/he is a Phlogius Proserpine from Australia, and I was sold them as a “guaranteed female” (price reflected such)

They are currently well over the 2” minimum stated on the birdspiders.com method of sexing, and I cannot see any tibial spurs.

however, I am anxious as, in one of the photos escpecially, there seems to be a definite “U” shape above the epigastric furrow, which would indicate male to me.

I have tried to take good quality photos, and your input would be greatly appreciated,

 

[FishermanSteve]

In my opinion there is nothing that screams male, so I am inclined to believe it is a female. Also, you wouldn’t see tibial hooks on a male until it matures.

 

[Downunderspiders92]

In my opinion there is nothing that screams male, so I am inclined to believe it is a female. Also, you wouldn’t see tibial hooks on a male until it matures.

Thank you very much for the reply - it is greatly appreciated.

I’ve noticed also that s/he seems to be coming up to a moult, as they have blocked the entrance to their burrow and are refusing food (I haven’t put crickets in since removing them after refusal)

I’ve also noticed that the exoskeleton under the patellas seems very milky/ white in colour, whereas a few weeks back it was more pink. Is this likely an indicator of upcoming moult? I would assume it is, but cannot find any supporting articles; only ones that refer to bald spots on carapace or abdomen.
I’ll attach a photo zoomed in on such.

thank you again so much!