Tarantula movement?

[Basilisk]

So this isn't really a care question, but it's one I've been wondering about. I've been watching body language videos in preparation for the sling I'm going to pick up later this week (assuming my enclosure arrives on time) so that I'll know what to expect.

Why do tarantulas (especially C. Versicolor) kick up their two foremost non-pedipalp legs when they're walking? This isn't a threat display (which is all I've been able to find when I google this) as far as I can tell, they just happen to kick up their front legs really high. Is there a reason for this? It's not really an important question, I'm just curious.

Thanks for your time guys!

 

[Mr. P]

I have several T's that do this and what I come up with is they are trying to flush out prey. If something is laying still and the T raises its legs it may just make it move.
There are several bird species that do this as well. They walk across the ground, stop, spread their wings and see if anything moves.
Just my observation.

 

[Basilisk]

I have several T's that do this and what I come up with is they are trying to flush out prey. If something is laying still and the T raises its legs it may just make it move.
There are several bird species that do this as well. They walk across the ground, stop, spread their wings and see if anything moves.
Just my observation.

I've seen mockingbirds do that, it's pretty funny. I guess that would explain it! Thanks!

 

[Tortoise Tom]

I don't know why they do it, but I love it. I find it very comical and "muppet"-like. It endears them to me even more.

 

[Arachnoclown]

They have sensory organs on their feet for perceiving airborne chemicals and humidity. They also have chemically sensitive hairs on some of their legs and pedipalps....they can taste the air.

 

[Basilisk]

I don't know why they do it, but I love it. I find it very comical and "muppet"-like. It endears them to me even more.

It is really cute!

They have sensory organs on their feet for perceiving airborne chemicals and humidity. They also have chemically sensitive hairs on some of their legs and pedipalps....they can taste the air.

Oh wow, that's really cool! I thought it might be something like that, since I read some tarantulas couldn't see very good.

 

[Whitelightning777]

I thought it was to gauge wind speed in preparation for jumping. Slings for these are wonderful, but can be fragile. They are a dry spider that needs an elevated water dish kept full at all times. Excess humidity is fatal and good ventilation is a must.

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