Halloween Hermit Molt

drstratton · Nov 5, 2015

I've been watching my hermit for the last couple of days, because it was staying in one place. When I went in to check on it this morning, there it was out of the shell dead (I was so sad). Or so I thought, a few hours later I saw that it was still alive and had just molted. This is the first time I've experienced this.

How long after they molt will they start moving around again? I would imagine it takes a lot of energy, I'm asking because it's still not really active. It will have it's head and legs out and then the next time I check, it's completely back inside the shell, where I can't see it. Just trying to understand everything I can about the critters under my care!

Thanks!!!

Squishie89 · Nov 5, 2015

My halloween hermit just molted too and I was paying attention this time, it was about 2 days before he has started moving around a bit. AFAIK they are waiting for their new exoskeleton to harden.

drstratton · Nov 6, 2015

Thank you, I kinda thought it might be something like that, but I wasn't sure. I actually have 3, one in my sump and 2 in the DT. I think another one is about to molt, it's been sitting pretty still all day. I wish I could catch it on video.

Squishie89 · Nov 6, 2015

drstratton said:
Thank you, I kinda thought it might be something like that, but I wasn't sure. I actually have 3, one in my sump and 2 in the DT. I think another one is about to molt, it's been sitting pretty still all day. I wish I could catch it on video.

And just an update, tonight was a bit over 3 days since he molted and he left his safe place and is out and about.