"Cannibalism" among tarantulas has implications for the Dynamics

of terrestrial/arboreal food webs. Spiders are common, ubiquitous arthropod generalist

predators in most natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems. Thus, the relationship

of spiders that exhibit "cannibalism" is due to
food limitation
competition
population numbers
has "direct bearing "on the survival parentage of the slings/spiders.
Here I will once again state we are dealing with "captive species" therefore there behavior is different in comparison to that of wild caught specimens. in a' controlled environment" one can apply protocols and implement them to ensure the survival rate is higher than the mortality rate.

Why I recommend separating at 2nd instar and here I am referring to "my own breeding experience". When the 1st instar slings and preparing for 2nd instar I have noticed whilst kept all together communally cannibalism occurs on a larger scale as by nature its instinctive cannibalism among tarantulas especially slings. They are house artificially in a controlled environment favorable to the specific species and with increased heat and humidity pushes the metabolic rate higher increasing their appetite to feed so hence they feed of each other not necessary the weaker ones. Science will always prevail as we evolve and change. intervention is a good idea to separate as then adequate food can be provided to separated individuals increasing the survival percentage.

:thumbsup:

Thanks, I wanted to ask yesterday if you could perhaps summarize your experience related to the P.Metallicas .

Keeping it here allows people to get the info without trolling through unnecessary commentary.

Hi Renier
I will re post my breeding report here so you may view it and it worked for me and am sure if will for whomever wants to breed the species.

Hi all

Today I' m going to give you the" secret" to breeding Pokies including Pmetallica/records shown below: :whistle:

02/07/'13. rotation of different males to ensure a good mating and enclosure temp at a stable 23 degrees Celsius/humidity 60%

started" flooding" tank on the 03/11/'13 and increased enclosure temp to 26 degrees Celsius/humidity 90%+

01/01/'14 increased enclosure temp to 31 degrees Celsius and stopped "flooding" a light mist keeping humidity @ 90%+

31/01/'14 egg sack laid by MF and removed on day 1

31/01/'14 placed in mechanical mom and maintained temp @ 29 degrees Celsius and humidity @90%

18/02/'14 removed sack after 19 days in mechanical mom. eggs with legs. some were infertile.

01/03'14 First instar molt @ 31 days old

13/03/14 Second instar mold @ 42 days old- separated due to cannibalism which will occur closer to the third instar molt so to reduce your mortality rates it is advisable to do this in my opinion.

Renier

I hope this will help you