How do I tell if a tarantula is male or female?
Study the ExuviumThere are literally dozens of myths about how to tell a male tarantula from a female, but almost all of these are wives’ tales and inaccurate. However, by studying the exuvium (shed exoskeleton) of a tarantula after molting, there is a way to tell the gender of the arachnid. Microscopic examination of the shed exuvium will give clear hints to the gender that are not as obvious at a glance.One MethodAccording to an article by Mark Hart at birdspiders.com, all male tarantulas have an additional fusilla on their underside called “epiandrous fusillae,” which can be seen with the naked eye under close examination with a bright light. This extra silk spinner will be found on the “belly” of the tarantula’s underside. If it’s there, the tarantula is male.
