In this section we discuss the spider moulting process. Let's start..
It can be a daunting process for a new owner and can worry even the more experienced owners in some cases. But when it all comes down to it - there is not much we can do during this process. The spider has to do it for themselves. (With a little help from us when needed.)
So what is this process and why is it so important?
In order for your spider to grow bigger they shed their exoskeleton - The exoskeleton is a harder outer shell with connecting joints. Like a snake sheds it's skin this process is called moulting.
(Exoskeleton of a jumping spider pictured above.)
How do I know if my spider is in a moult/molt?
Well, you have not seen them. Your once active friend has tucked them selves away. The biggest tell tale sign that your spider is in a moult is the lack of desire to eat also. They can hide themselves for ages before going into a moult, meaning a lot of uneaten critters.
(Pictured above is a spider in moult and a spider in pre moult)
What do I do now I think my spider is in moult?
We are mindful of what food we leave in their enclousure or tub with them during this process. Some critters like crickets can cause damage to the spider if left in too long. Some critters can just simply annoy them.
We recommend some water available always. You can do this through misting slightly to the sides of the enclosure or tub (fine mist is perfect) being mindful of the size of the water droplets (not too big or the spider can drown) and not to spray directly on the spider.
If your spider is small we use cotton balls. When cleaned out regularly - dont let the balls get mucky or black, they are super effective in small slings or juviniles. A cotton ball not changed can harbour bacteria which is why some people can't be dealing with all the fuss and don't like using them.
We don't mind changing them and keeping them fresh often, we know that can be more time consuming but the risks are lower with the cotton wool balls for small spiders than misting them. We are totally fine with whatever you choose because in the long term everyone learns and does things their own way.
Different types of web/silk hammocks..
This spider is a few weeks old. The web hammock is nice and clear and the spider is visible. No moult is happening currently. They're just chilling at the top.
This is a really thick web hammock with a opening like a pocket. Peeping out is a adult jumping spider, no moulting process will happen as he has stopped moulting by now by reaching maturity. You get to see how they build their web hammock and if this spider was to go into moult you wouldn't see them peeping out. The opening (pocket) wouldn't be so visible.
Some spiders build thick webs to hang out in. Which can be confusing. This spider pictured is out and about and looking for food. There is no current moult happening - We would shine a torch on the thick hammock to see movement if we didn't see them for a while and was concerned.
Some spider hammocks are neat and some spiders are messy. That's down to the character of your spider. Unfortunately that isn't something we can train them when leaving our care. 🤣
We just hope they learn as they grow older. - Although some never do.
This particular spider is interesting. We can visibly see something has happened here. Without damaging their hammock we can see what appears to be a exo skeleton.
The spider will emerge on their own and will kick the exoskeleton out themselves. We don’t advise trying to remove it yourself whilst it's in the webbing. This is unnecessary and unfair to the spider who used energy to make that hide away. You can pick them up with tweezers when they're on the floor of the enclosure/tub - Although some hang down like pictured below.
This spider has just moulted and graced us with their presence when we took these photos. - In spider language this is please feed me human. You can see the exoskeleton skull cap in the one photo. There is a opening (pocket) where they peep out and they use this for entering and exiting their little silk hammock. This is a successful moult and they will kick the exoskeleton out themselves. Or in lazy cases they build a new hammock else where leaving a weird old body to freak you out.
Worst case scenario ...
You found your spider struggling in it's exoskeleton. This happens when their was not enough humidity and the spider was too dry to moult their old skin. You can carefully wet a cotton wool tip (ear bud) and gently help the spider out.
This is risky and a last resort.
Too wet you could drown them.
Unfortunately the success rate for this isn't always great. We have done this successfully each time but it's practise and experience. You would be doing this at your own risk.
The risks are loss of limbs and if they do not exit their exoskeleton in time fatalities.
We will touch upon the topic of humidity and set up in another post. We hope this helps!
That’s awesome! Being able to see that itself is rather cool. We like that you’re keeping an eye and observing. It’s quite interesting to watch and learn.
These wee hides you guys sell are awesome. Being able to keep an eye on the jumpers but also give them privacy. Though a little odd, the big Male (now named Nezznar) came out his main web sac to molt. I guess he felt there wasn’t enough space to molt.
I think people are using macro clip ons for their iPhone. So maybe try amazon or eBay. They can be around 40.00 for a good one. Other than that post in the fb page for advice from the other photographers. We’re no photographers here we take a photo and hope for the best. 🤣🕷 Also you’re right! It’s an achievement and a milestone in caring for your spider. I like to keep the exoskeletons because it’s a fascinating process.
I don’t think we’re weirdos. It’s like cutting a small lock of a babies first hair to keep or saving a toddlers first baby tooth when it falls out. I’m still looking for the best attachment for photographing the exos tho. I bought close up filters for my GoPro Hero 6 but I think I need macro filters for the iPhone. They seem better?
P.s we are the weirdos also who keep exoskeletons.