Tibial Hooks

[gunblade_girl]

When a male tarantula develops its tibial hooks, does that mean that it's going to die very soon? I apologize for the 'noob' question, but I'm having trouble googling this info. I was given a large male salmon bird eater (L. parahybana) and he has the hooks, so I'm wondering what I'm in store for. Thanks in advance for any help. :)

Comments

[purpurealuna]

Most have a least a few months left in them. My G. Rosea "Odin" lasted almost two years after he got his.

[gunblade_girl]

Thank you! I feel better now. :)

Also, I love that name. :D

[vurmie]

The hooks just mean he has reached sexual maturity. I'm not sure about individual species, but many Ts can live for about two more years. That, or a week. It depends on the circumstances.

[gunblade_girl]

Whew, thanks! He's beautiful and I hope he stays around for a while longer. :) I appreciate your answer.

[zimon66]

Both my Chilean rose boys lived for a year.

[gunblade_girl]

That's awesome! Thank you. :)

[edward_hyde]

I want to add that you really can't expect G. rosea lifespan out of a parahybana; the former are extremely slow growers anyway, while parahybana have one of the fastest metabolisms in the tarantula world.

Basically they will live no longer than it takes to reach their next molt, at most. Fast-growing species who are still fed heavily will reach this point much sooner than a slow-growing species will. Of course they might not live to see the next molt anyway, but the post-ultimate molt is 99.99999% always fatal because of the inevitable damage to their modified pedipalps.

Do you know when yours got his hooks? I'd give him about six months or less from that point, that seems to be the average range for faster growers from what I hear.

[gunblade_girl]

Thank you, I really appreciate the information. I think I'm going to pick up a sling tomorrow, because he does seem like a really cool T. I'm not sure exactly when he got his hooks, but I'll certainly enjoy him while he's alive. :)

[mrzombie9]

That's all you can do! :] L. parahybanas are so beautiful; I will be adding one to my personal collection very soon. Good luck!

[sterlingspider]

This is all personal experience so ymmv, but I've had three ultimates go 2+ years and am several months in on a fourth and the gradual loss of interest in food and water has been the end of all of my ultimate males so far. I keep them a smidge on the skinny side for as long as they have interest in food and then feed as much as they are willing to eat when they start losing their appetite.

Good luck! It's kinda hard at times but they are *so* pretty while they are in their prime.

[gunblade_girl]

Hm, it will be interesting to see what happens with my guy! Thank you. :)

He's gorgeous. :) I need to get a decent camera soon to take pictures of all my Ts. I love your icon. :D