In the video (below) we see a tarantula literally taking off its skin. Like all arthropods, these huge spiders need to shed their skin to grow.
This process is known as molting and is probably the safest time for you to come across these dangerous creatures. Tarantulas will fast, sometimes for days, beforehand. At this time they are completely vulnerable and find it hard to fend off predators.
Shredding is an emotional time for the hairy beasts; apparently they go through a kind of ‘depression’ during the process. If your tarantula is acting sluggish, has a swollen abdomen, a darkened spot and is just not hungry – this could be about to happen…
