You can also count molts! there hasnt been enough
resurch on the topic to have a list, but some are known!

This also depends on temps, feeding habit. With poecilotheria I like my males no older than 6-9 months...usualy 6.

Scarab wrote: Mature males develop bulbous

Here is a pic I took of just that LOL!!

@Tarantula guy- but the amount of times it molts will still remain the same regardless of how long it takes to mature!? am i correct in saying this?

Ps: thanx for taking the time to visit our forum!

fangs wrote: @Tarantula guy- but the amount of times it molts will still remain the same regardless of how long it takes to mature!? am i correct in saying this?

Ps: thanx for taking the time to visit our forum!

This is a great forum. Depending on feedings, temps I believe a male will mature faster with fewer molts but that is just my opinion not a fact.

Ok this is what I can add to the discussion regarding the amount of molts it would take before males mature.

Acanthoscurria geniculata.
Date purchased - 31st. October 2008.
Stage - 2nd instar spiderling.
Date Matured - 26th. August 2010.
Number of times molted before Maturing - 11 times.

Nhandu coloratovillosus
Date Purchased - 2nd. March 2009.
Stage - 2nd instar spiderling.
Date Matured - 12th. November 2010.
Number of times molted before Maturing - 9 times.

Tharaphosa stirmi
Date Purchased - 19th. December 2009.
Stage - 3rd instar spiderling.
Date Matured - 29th. June 2011.
Number of times molted before Maturing - 7 times.

So what I can conclude from this,is that it would take males about 10 to maybe 12 molts for them to mature.But it's only hypothetical and speculation.Not a proven fact,but would like to see where this discussion could lead,and what everyones thoughts are on this subject? :whistle: