The Queen of Poecilotheria: Notes of the First US Breeding of Poecilotheria metallica (Pocock, 1899)
Page 3 of 4 | © 2005-2010 text and photos by Kelly Swift
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Over the following two weeks I did routine paper changes every week to reduce the risk of mite infestation and pulled out any debris from hatching that still remained. On January 22, 2005, I first noticed the darkening of legs and on the 25th the postembryos were entirely darkened and beginning to molt into 1st instar spiderlings. All but three "nymphs" made it through to this stage.
I continued routine paper towel changes in the incubator, which was made more difficult by the mobile and quick spiderlings. A few slowed all motor function and died and were removed from the group.
On February 6, 2005, the 1st instar spiderlings began to darken, starting with the legs and then increasing in intensity to an eventual overall darkening. I misted the rim of the paper towel slightly to add a bit more humidity at this time. Second instar spiderlings began to emerge three days later and, after a 48 hour period, the molting process was complete. As I peeked in (because at this stage, they were very fast), I noticed two spiderlings looked like they weren't going to molt. This proved to be true when I opened the incubator to set the spiderlings up in groups and discovered two dead—one of which was being eaten by a sibling!
I split the 2nd instar spiderlings into two groups in Rubbermaid™ gallon jars. The containers were first prepared by drilling numerous 1/16 in [1.6 mm] holes in the lid and sides. I lined the bottom with a thick piece of folded paper towel, slightly misted, and a fluffed up piece for many avenues for the spiderlings to retreat.
After approximately five to seven days I attempted feeding them 1/8 in [3.2 mm] crickets. All the spiderlings refused to eat. This was very odd to me. Within all of my experience I had never witnessed one hundred percent of a group of fully hardened 2nd instar spiderlings refusing food.
In a conversation with Frank Somma I explained that none would feed and Frank replied, "Oh, they're like P. formosa." Apparently, like Poecilotheria formosa, P. metallica spiderlings don't feed until they reach 3rd instar (one molt later than most tarantulas). This next molt came in record time and within a week they had all molted again! After a few days of hardening they finally began to feed.
The end result was 53 spiderlings that I rehoused in 50 dram clear plastic vials with a small slab of cork bark. As I finish this article some have molted into 4th instar and are beginning to show signs of blue!
After picking out about 25 infertile eggs (giving them ample time to molt in case they were late bloomers) and the solid black ones, I estimated that the sac had 90-100 eggs. At this time 61 postembryos were counted.
In summary, I want to state that P. metallica was a joy to experience breeding. Since this was my first eggsac of this species I'll have to acknowledge the "luck factor" in conjunction with basic spiderling development skills. I am very honored to have worked with them. I'd like to thank Scott Scher, Henrik Wessell Frank, Frank Somma and Michael Jacobi for making this article and event possible.
Editor's Note: See following page for additional photos.
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