Damon diadema with eggs

[sschind]

About 6 months ago a purchased a pair of these fascinating creatures at a local swap. About 2 months or so later I found several spermatophores but never noticed anything that developed. I've been sort of bust for the last few months so other than misting and feeding a couple of time I week I never really paid much attention. When I went to feed them today I noticed the female was really quite fat and upon closer inspection I found she was carrying eggs. It wasn't easy to verify because I have them in a gallon jug with vertical pieces of bulletin board cork and she did not want to lift herself up enough for me to get a good look. Eventually I was able to shoo her around a corner and as she went around a got a good look at her abdomen. Eggs for sure.

I don't know how long she has had them so I don't know how far they are along but I can't wait. I friend of mine had a bunch hatch out and they are so cool. Very hardy little buggers as well.

Right now I have the pair, the female from his breeding attempt and a single female (I think) that I raided up from his group. I am planning in putting them in a 12x12x18 zoomed as soon as I can get it decorated.

If I can find my charger for my camera I will post some pictures.

 

[HungryGhost]

I like all kinds of inverts and critters but man, those guys give me the heebie jeebies!

 

[Precarious]

Cool! Best of luck. I have a trio slowly maturing. Would like to document the breeding process.

 

[sschind]

Update, nothing new on the female with eggs but I moved the male into another enclosure with another female and I saw a spermatophore in that one this morning. I read in Orin's book that males will not create a spermatophore without a receptive female so I've got my fingers crossed on this one as well. She is the proven female I got from my friend.

The single juvenile just molted last night and I think it is another male. The pedipalps seemed to get much longer with this molt.