I have noticed that my female GBB has 3 big spinnerets and that the males have 2. Anybody else noticed this? Are there other species that is similar in this respect?

CB1981 wrote: I have noticed that my female GBB has 3 big spinnerets and that the males have 2. Anybody else noticed this? Are there other species that is similar in this respect?

The norm for all theraphosid tarantulas is for 2 pairs (=4) spinnerets. The forward pair is almost always small and pad-like, the posterior pair is relatively long and finger-like.

If yours really has three posterior spinnerets, it's probably a freak. But,
Can you get a decent shot of her spinnerets? Good focus is preferable to close up unless you've got a macro lens and know how to use it. Cell phones usually aren't very good for anything but family photos. Can you borrow a better camera from a family member or friend?


How close do you live to a nuclear power plant? :happy:

No nuclear activities here :laugh:

I'll get some pics, would take a few days maybe, have to wait for her to come out and make webbing again, that's when it is clearly visible. Will take shots of my males too.

Okay, I got the pics.

Here is the male with 2 spinnerets:



And here is the female with 3:






So is the female supposed to have 4 spinnerets, but 1 of them came off during the last molt?

That looks like a deformity to me mate! Any T has only 2 spinnerets and 2 smaller "spinnerets"(Dont know what they are called) invisible most of the time that secretes the silk I think.

She has an extra spinneret! :blink:

Agree, looks like a deformity.
Must be that funny water that they have been drinking.