For the last couple of nights I have been trying to pair up two C.darlingi tarantulas for some lovin.
Last night I introduced the male, he spent half an hour drinking the females water, from her bowl (that's not a euphemism ), went back for 2nds and then hid in the corner. I put is down to first time nerves so put him back in his container.
I thought I would try again tonight. So with lights low and scented candles burning I put him back into her container. She was in her burrow.
He is supposed to drum near her burrow with his legs, to let her know there is a male available and he wants some, rather than a dinner has arrived.
unfortunately he ran straight into her burrow

and came running out again followed by her trying to eat him.

Not being put off by this he tried to mate with her any way.
Quickly followed by another eating attempt by her

This went on a few times before he realised she was not in the mood so he sulked away.

With her safely away I tried to collect him to put him back to his container and he tried to bite me.

Then he got vert angry as I put him back home

I will introduce them again on Wednesday, hopefully third time lucky and he will get it right this time. So watch this space for exciting spider news.
always handy to have an axe for occasions like this 

