When a tarantula molts, it’s like watching an extraordinary escape artist at work.
These fascinating creatures must perform a vital act that seems impossible: crawl out of their own skin to survive and grow.
Every year, thousands of pet tarantula owners witness this remarkable process, which can make the difference between life and death for their eight-legged companions.
Whether you’re a new keeper or just curious, understanding the intricate relationship between tarantula growth and molting is crucial for appreciating these amazing arachnids.
Ensuring the right humidity and temperature is key to a smooth tarantula molting process.
What You Need to Know First
Growth and molting are like two dancers in a special spider tango. Imagine trying to grow bigger while wearing a suit of armor that doesn’t stretch – that’s exactly what our eight-legged friends deal with! Their hard outer shell (the exoskeleton) is like a crusty suit of armor that needs regular upgrading.
Dr. Sarah Chen, who I met at a spider convention last year (yes, those exist!), puts it perfectly: “Molting is like a tarantula taking off a tight jacket. They need this process to grow bigger and stay healthy.” I couldn’t have said it better myself!
How Fast Do Tarantulas Grow?
Let me tell you about my friend’s tarantula, Bob (yes, they named their spider Bob). Here’s how these fuzzy buddies typically grow:
- 0.5 to 2 centimeters each year when young (Bob was quite the overachiever!)
- They get 20-30% bigger after each molt (like me after Thanksgiving dinner)
- Female tarantulas take 2-5 years to become adults (ladies take their time)
- Male tarantulas grow faster, taking 1.5-3 years (boys will be boys)
The Molting Process
You know how grumpy teenagers get before a growth spurt? Well, tarantulas have their own pre-molt mood swings! Here’s what to watch for:
- Stops eating for 2-4 weeks (like me before beach season)
- Gets darker in color (think spider goth phase)
- Stays very still (meditation time!)
- Makes a special mat to lie on (their version of a spa day)
The actual molt takes 1-3 hours. During this time:
- The tarantula lies on its back (looking like it’s doing a yoga pose)
- The old skin splits open (nature’s version of popping buttons)
- The tarantula slowly pulls out of the old skin (escape artist style)
- A new, soft skin appears (fresh spider makeover!)
What Your Tarantula Needs
Think of yourself as your tarantula’s personal comfort coordinator! To help your eight-legged friend grow and molt safely, their home should be:
- Warm (75-85°F or 24-29°C) – like a cozy spring day
- Humid (65-75% humidity) – think tropical vacation vibes
- Clean and quiet – no spider disco parties during molt time
- With fresh water always available – they’re not camels!
Here’s a handy chart that shows how often these little acrobats molt:
| Age | How Often They Molt |
|---|---|
| Baby (first year) | 4-8 times |
| Young | 3-4 times |
| Adult | 1-2 times |
Taking Care of a Molting Tarantula
Let me share what I’ve learned from five years of watching my spiders do their molting dance:
Before Molting:
- Don’t feed them (they’re too busy preparing for their costume change)
- Keep their cage extra humid (think tropical spa retreat)
- Don’t disturb them (would you want someone poking you while you’re changing clothes?)
During Molting:
- Leave them alone (seriously, they’ve got this!)
- Keep other pets away (no paparazzi allowed)
- Don’t help – they need to do this by themselves (helicopter spider parents, stand down!)
After Molting:
- Wait 7-14 days before feeding (their new “teeth” need time to harden)
- Keep the cage humid (moisture is their best friend right now)
- Don’t touch them until they harden (they’re basically wearing wet paper for skin)
Common Questions
Let me answer the questions I get asked most often in my tarantula keeper’s social media group:
Q: How do I know if my tarantula is molting or sick? A: A molting tarantula lies on its back on purpose, like a planned yoga pose. A sick tarantula might fall over and move its legs weakly – more like an unplanned tumble. When in doubt, watch for that purposeful “I meant to do this” positioning!
Q: What should I feed after molting? A: Start with small prey after 7-14 days. Small crickets or roaches work well. Think of it like eating soup after dental work – start small and soft!
Q: Is molting dangerous? A: Most tarantulas (95-98%) molt safely when kept in good conditions. Only 1-5% have problems during molting. Those are better odds than my success rate with New Year’s resolutions!
Expert Tips
Mark Thompson, who has bred tarantulas for 20 years (and has more spider stories than I have coffee mugs), shares: “The best thing you can do for a molting tarantula is nothing at all. Just watch and wait.” I learned this the hard way when I tried to “help” my first tarantula – trust me, they know what they’re doing!
Special Note About Species
Just like how no two dogs are exactly alike, different kinds of tarantulas grow at their own pace:
- Ground tarantulas (like Grammostola rosea) often grow slowly – they’re the tortoises of the spider world
- Tree tarantulas (like Pterinochilus murinus) usually grow faster – these are the hares!
- Bigger species need more time between molts (imagine having to make a whole new XXXL spider suit – takes time!)
Learn More
Want to dive deeper into the world of tarantulas? These resources are as reliable as a spider’s web:
- American Tarantula Society – the Spider-Man of tarantula information
- Your local exotic pet vet (mine has a “Spider Saturday” which is exactly as cool as it sounds!)
Important Tools
Here’s your spider-care toolkit (think of it as your tarantula first-aid kit):
- Hygrometer to check humidity (your spider’s personal weather station)
- Thermometer for temperature (because spiders can’t wear sweaters)
- Spray bottle for moisture (like a tiny rain cloud)
- Clean water dish (no spider wants dirty bath water!)
Remember: Every tarantula is as unique as a snowflake with eight legs. Some grow faster than others, just like how my friend’s tarantula Bob grew twice as fast as my Luna. What matters most is keeping them healthy and comfortable during their growth and molts – kind of like how we all need our own space and time when we’re going through changes!
This guide uses information from arachnologists, breeders, and years of recorded tarantula care experience, plus some real-life adventures from your friendly neighborhood spider enthusiast!
