bub
Junior Member
Orange County, California
Posts: 21
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Post by bub on Apr 21, 2022 8:14:06 GMT -8
This is the first time I've collected a spider. I moved a piece of wood and this guy ran out. There was no sign of a web. I put him in the freezer overnight. The next day I dumped him on a piece of paper and began spreading his legs. Suddenly, his abdomen burst and black liquid came out. A lot of black liquid. As you can see in the photo, more came out as I moved him across the paper. Is black liquid normal in a spider? What the heck is it? He's about 8mm head to tail. I'm in Southern California. Thanks.  |
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Post by nomihoudai on Apr 21, 2022 22:38:36 GMT -8
I guess that's the rotten insides? Spiders are either kept in alcohol vials or the molded skins of the larger species are kept. Correct me if I am wrong.
Only once I saw live like pinned specimen of Phidippus spp., they were gorgeous.
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Post by trehopr1 on Apr 22, 2022 5:59:58 GMT -8
Actually, amongst all the larger spiders they can be kept as actual specimens or molted skins.
With (female) tarantulas for example all one has to do is place a small slit on the underside of the abdomen and purge it of its contents; then repack it with cotton.
I have some 30 examples of tarantulas (Theraphosidae) which have all been preserved in this manner and they are absolutely beautiful as such. Molted skins work okay but, their not the ideal choice do to their (much more) fragile nature.
The man I purchased my specimens from was a tarantula breeder for many years and turned out to be a "Rembrandt" at their preservation and lifelike postures.
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Post by trehopr1 on Apr 22, 2022 7:29:08 GMT -8
Hello Bub,
Your spider was likely a well fed (engorged) female. The freeze/thaw cycle which occured caused its gut to burst. A spiders gut (stomach), book lungs, and reproductive organs are ALL located in its abdomen.
Of coarse, the hemoglobin in their blood is not colored as ours is so what you are seeing is a combination of blood mixed with it's liquefied protein contents.
Best to preserve most spiders in 70% rubbing alcohol for them to maintain the shape and contours of their 2nd body region (abdomen). With the aid of a good magnifying glass or microscope you can always view them in a petri dish or shallow plate. Fascinating up close !
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bub
Junior Member
Orange County, California
Posts: 21
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Post by bub on Apr 22, 2022 8:11:33 GMT -8
Thanks, trehopr1. I didn't know spiders were that fragile. Maybe instead of freezing, I should just drop them in alcohol.
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