Spiderlings are getting big! *neat pics* - Page 2

Removed_2815 · 03-28-04, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by urd
I know its off subject, but RMBolten, do you have any more pics of the blue tailed skink ( i think thats what it is anyway) in your avatar?

Hi Nick,
That lizard in my avatar is called a 5-lined Skink (Eumeces faciatus). Only the juveniles have the blue tails. Here are a few more pics of E. fasciatus:

Enjoy!
Cheers,
Ryan

marisa · 03-28-04, 03:46 PM

NICE photos!

I would have to agree with your description of the humidity. At my house in California black widows thrive under my dads deck. The temps under there have reached 110F and its a DRY climate. No humidity unless its raining really.

Marisa

TheRedDragon · 03-28-04, 10:02 PM

Wow! Those Widows are beautiful! If it wasn't for Invictus' allergies, I'd take a few!

crazykeeper · 04-02-04, 04:08 PM

How big do those widows get,aprox,,Like 1/2 inch or so?and is there any type of AV for widows?

Removed_2815 · 04-02-04, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by crazykeeper
How big do those widows get,aprox,,Like 1/2 inch or so?and is there any type of AV for widows?

My female is about 1.5" (including legs).
Bites from Widows are always in defense, mainly occuring after having been crushed. It is VERY easy not to get bitten by a Widow, however, if for some reason a person manages to get envenomated, there is usually no serious risk to the person's health. The venom is a neurotoxin and cramping (spasm) of the abdominal muscles may occur. Bites are rarely fatal and only the young, sick, and/or old are at serious risk (aside from life-threatening allergic reactions).
There is an antivenin but it is rarely used in healthy adults. Muscle relaxants can be taken to ease the pain, but most people just sweat it out.
Ryan

BoidKeeper · 04-02-04, 06:16 PM

Until this very moment I could never understand why when I tell people I keep snakes that they always say that the only good snake is a dead snake. When I look at these spiders I know how they feel. And like them I just can't relate to you spider lovers.
Cheers,
Trevor

Emily-Fisher · 04-03-04, 08:52 AM

Trevor: Yeah well you're just a weirdo

I spoke to my parents about getting a widow... ugh.. I'm not sure if I'd be allowed but I'm still working on it. You see, we have this tiny 4lb chihuahua and mom doesn't want to see her lying on her back on the floor with her legs up

But I told her that the chances of Ilumai(our dog) getting bitten are super slim since the widow wont be able to escape. Ughhhh...

Anyway, I'll email her some websites about widows and hopefully she'll change her mind

(She probably will, considering how much of a spoiled brat I am. teehee!)

Is there any info that I can give her that may help me change her mind? Thanks..

Removed_2815 · 04-03-04, 02:10 PM

Well, of course, mother knows best.....

There really aren't any websites that advocate the keeping of black widow spiders. It would be irresponsible to promote them as a "pet." So, in this sense, any and all websites you can find should be shown to your mother so that she can make an informed decision. There are some better sites out there but I don't have any of them bookmarked, you could find them just by doing a google search for "Black Widow."

This information is from the University of California UofC:
"Only the bite of the female, usually the adult female, is potentially dangerous. Although extremely painful and temporarily debilitating, fatalities from untreated widow bites are uncommon. During the period between 1926 to 1943, mortality ranged from 4 percent to 5 percent, but current medical treatments have reduced this to a much smaller incidence. Death usually results from respiratory paralysis. The very old, very young, and those with a history of high blood pressure (hypertensive) are at greatest risk. Prompt medical treatment can greatly reduce the danger from widow bites and has reduced fatalities to extremely low rates in recent years."

"Because of the possible severity of black widow bites, immediate medical attention is important. Physicians can intravenously inject calcium gluconate to counteract most effects of the toxin. The injection helps bolster levels of calcium salts that are depressed by the effects of the bite. A black widow antiserum also is available, although effects usually are less dramatic than the calcium gluconate treatment. First aid prior to the physician visit involves treating the bite site with antiseptics to prevent infections and trying to keep the patient quiet and warm. Because the toxin moves quickly in the body, attempting to suck out the poison is ineffective."

SaIiLdVaEnR · 04-15-04, 05:50 PM

Hey Ryan, do you still have one for sale and will you be attending the expo?

Aidan

Removed_2815 · 04-15-04, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SaIiLdVaEnR
Hey Ryan, do you still have one for sale and will you be attending the expo?

Aidan

Hey Aidan,
Yep, I still have all of them. I have you on the list but I will not be attending on Sunday, I have some work here in Kingston to finish up. They are not ready to go yet anyway, they still seem too small right now. Granted they are about 15x bigger than when they emerged, but I would like them to be a little bigger before I sell them. I will contact all interested parties in due time.... no worries.....
Cheers,
Ryan