Growth and patience

Tarantula moulting guide

Moulting is how tarantulas grow, and the best thing a keeper can often do is the deeply heroic act of leaving them alone.

What is moulting?

A tarantula has an external skeleton. To grow, it sheds the old exoskeleton and hardens a new one underneath. The shed skin is called an exuvia, which sounds fancy because nature occasionally enjoys paperwork.

Premoult signs

Common premoult signs include refusing food, darker colouration, a shiny abdomen patch, extra hiding and a general sense that your spider has cancelled all appointments.

Remove uneaten prey.
Keep water available.
Do not prod, move or disturb the spider.

After the moult

Wait until the fangs have hardened before feeding again. Spiderlings may be ready sooner than adults, while large specimens may need a week or more. If the fangs still look pale, wait.