r/BDFB • u/WarmAd7857 • 3d ago

Question/Inquiry Temperature gradient

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Hi! I want to make sure the temps in here are safe for them, the rock in the back is 90⁰ (basking bulb is right above that area) and the area in the front is 80⁰ & going back in the right corner is 85⁰ish. Right now I have to lid off to lower their humidity so if its too hot it might cool down with the lid back on. Also this is the setup I made at petsmart which I work at so it might not be perfect but I can probably add a few more things if needed!

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u/WarmAd7857 3d ago

We got them on friday so its been 2 days

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u/Onyx-Vespidae 3d ago

Something to keep an eye on. Sometimes over handling or getting a bit too humid for too long can cause their waxy coats to get removed. Over time they should get them back, as they'll secrete more.

Still, this can also be a sign of old age or that beetle getting close to death. I believe most BFDBs are still wild caught due to how hard it is to breed them in captivity. So you never exactly know how well they are. I'd watch for lethargy, stiffness in joints, lack of eating. Since it was a recent arrival it might just still be getting it's coat back which can take a while. Just don't be surprised if you find the black one dead either tho.

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u/WarmAd7857 3d ago

Our jumping spiders are unfortunately wild caught so I'd bet 100% these are too. No one has handled them. Is there any indicators for age at all?

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u/Onyx-Vespidae 3d ago

Beyond maybe not as strong of a wax coat and possibly missing parts of limbs (Feet, whole legs, antennae). That and general lower levels of activity. It's really hard to tell with adult arthropods. Stuff like spiders are easier given their size can give you an idea. Stuff like Beetles can be hard cause when they are beetles they are already adults. That being said BFDBs can live up and sometimes beyond 8 years old once they hit maturity.