Tarantulas and all other invertebrates who molt to grow don't gain their regular colouration until after their new exoskeleton expands and hardens. That's why this spider appears to be so different in colour from the exoskeleton from which it pulls itself.
Even its fangs are soft and white, and it's extremely vulnerable at this stage until its exoskeleton does harden again. In the last photo, its completely free from the exuvia, and stretching its legs. Ah the wonders of nature! Cheers!
oh my gosh...how neat to see! thanks for sharing that...how long does this process take?
ReplyDeletethey'll lay on their back for up to a few hours, but once they crack their old exoskeleton it's pretty quick, this guy was back on its feet within an hour of starting the whole process
Deletecool :)
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