2 year old Black Widow; dead or molting?

[KrakenQueen]

I found my widow, Gertrude, hanging head down at the bottom of her cage this morning with her legs still in their normal "life-like" pose, not curled and on her back.

She wasn't & isn't moving, and her hourglass has darkened a bit. I gently removed her from the cage, just in case, and put her in a smaller container so I could keep an eye on her.

I've never seen a spider die without flipping and curling, could she just be having a difficult molt?

 

[KrakenQueen]

It's been several days, there are no signs of stiffness, no signs of leg curling, no loss in size of abdomen, no smell of decay. Could this be some form of paralysis?

 

[jemjdragon]

I'm not sure if its alive or not (my tarantula flipped on its back when it passed) but I am curious on why you have a Black Widow as a pet?

 

[robin]

I'm not sure if its alive or not (my tarantula flipped on its back when it passed) but I am curious on why you have a Black Widow as a pet?

many people keep widows. it's just his preference i guess

 

[HepCatMoe]

"why have a widow" is a funny question from somebody who has kept tarantulas.

just my opinion. p.s. i have an arizona blonde tarantula.

 

[KrakenQueen]

Widows don't make bad visual pets, I think they are beautiful, unique, and each has their own special "personality".

Gertrude was more interested in hanging out in her cage than our other widow, Hilda, who prefers to dash and hide away the moment the tank moves. Gertrude was getting to understand the tongs and wouldn't run from them when I put food in the cage, she'd just sit there and wait till they were gone, mozey on over, bite her prey and look gorgeous. Hilda runs away and hides in her nest before coming back out a few moments later.

I don't see it any different than keeping any other spider, you just have to understand and keep in mind that they are venomous and be careful when cleaning cages or feeding.


As far as Tarantulas go, I have a growing interest in them. I had the chance to hold one at Repticon the other weekend, it was wonderful and gorgeous