The smaller Honduran curlyhair tarantula (Brachypelma albopilosum) emerged from its previous molt (September 14, 2012) with an issue. Upon close inspection it was clear that the hindmost right leg did not successfully emerge from the previous exoskeleton, effectively confining it within a small sheath that prevented it from increasing to normal size.
The spider was pictured at that time in “Honduran curlyhair tarantula (Brachypelma albopilosum) molting issues.”
At the time I questioned whether the spider would shed its confined, smaller leg or retain that leg. Now I know the answer!
The spider did in fact retain the confined, well encased smaller leg throughout the intermolt period. Amazingly, the new leg developed FULLY inside its tiny sheath, though it did take several hours longer than the rest of the legs to expand to its present, normal state.
The newly enlarged, normally functioning right hind leg is pictured below.
As a side note, the spider’s exoskeleton-based gender determination (it’s a girl!) is discussed and shown in the previous entry, entitled “Honduran curlyhair tarantula (Brachypelma albopilosum) gender determination.”