8LegLabs Blog

3 Signs Your Tarantula Is Entering Pre-Moult

By 8LegLabs – Moulting Support for Tarantulas

Moulting is one of the most fragile moments in a tarantula's life — but the danger starts long before they flip onto their back.

Knowing the early signs of pre-moult can help you adjust their care in time to prevent dehydration or stress-related complications.

1. Refusing Food

This is often the first and clearest indicator. If your tarantula starts ignoring live prey it previously hunted eagerly, pre-moult may be approaching. Don’t panic — just remove uneaten prey and observe.

2. Sluggish Movement and Hiding

Your usually active or curious tarantula may suddenly retreat into a hide or dig deep into its burrow. Their energy is now focused inward — preparing to shed their old exoskeleton.

3. A Darkening Abdomen

Especially in species with lighter abdomens, you'll notice a darker or shiny patch near the rear. This is the new exoskeleton forming underneath. In slings, this can even appear almost black.

What Should You Do?

At 8LegLabs, we use MoultMend during the pre-moult phase to gently boost hydration and immune support — helping our spiders prepare for what's coming.

Pre-order MoultMend now and help your tarantula moult safely.

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