09/30/2026
I wanted to share an incredible update about my unsexed i4 Phidippus audax x bryantae hybrid!
When I first got them, they were completely black. After their next molt, they developed those beautiful peachy markings. Shortly after, I put them in an enclosure that had two openings—except I only knew about one! The top opening slid slightly open, and they slipped out completely unnoticed.
Because they had built a thick silk hammock right before disappearing, I assumed they were just inside molting. After a month of waiting, the breeder suggested I carefully check inside the hide with a paintbrush. Sure enough, their molted "PJs" were inside, but the spider was long gone!
Over the next few weeks, I spotted them twice in the laundry room, but they were way too quick for me to catch.
Fast forward four months: I was sitting in the bathroom changing the toilet paper roll when I caught sight of something big and black on the floor. I did a complete double take—it was my spider! She had grown so much bigger and was absolutely stunning.
Panic hit immediately—what do I do, think fast! Naturally, right at that exact moment, my cat decides to barge into the bathroom. I grabbed the cat, sprinted to the kitchen for a deli cup and a blue bottle fly larva, and raced back.
Miraculously, she was still sitting in the same spot. I plopped the larva right in front of her; she instantly pounced on it, and down came the cup!
Now that she's safely secured, I can confirm she's definitely a girl—and with that huge bo**ie, I’m pretty sure she’s gravid! I know without a doubt it’s my lost girl because of her distinct hybrid markings. What a wild journey to get her back!
