Houston, we have a problem ... a Uropygi problem

[Pavel]

Since we don't have a correct category underwhich I might put this........

I got 'Vinnie' as a fully mature pyg last fall at a herp show with the idea that he's be a unique critter to take to school now and then. Kept him in a smallish Kritter Keeper with 2" deep peatmoss bedding. I do realize the peat wasn't as deep as what would likely have been ideal, but he seemed okay with it -- digging out tunnels, piling up dirt in one area then moving it to another, ... repeat. During the day he'd hide out under his waterdish. He ate well -- generally on crickets that he corner. Did put a thawed pinkie mouse in his tank once and he quite happily munched on that.

Then today happened. This morning I notied that his water bowl was dry and topped it off. He found it rather quickly and began drinking like there was no tomorrow. A little puzzled but not terribly concerned, I left him to his pursuit. Later, more around noon, I was checking on some of my orchids when I noticed he wasn't under his waterdish. Looking closer I noticed he had a small white glob on his underside. My thought then:"Poor lil guy is making a sperm sac but has no one to share it with...." (Please note I have never seen such a thing before but was at a loss as to what else it could possibly be.) Began debating if I should try to hit the next herp show in a few weeks to try obtaining a mature female. However, the shocks to my system were not over. Turns out I was quite wrong -- Vinnie wasn't producing a sperm sac.

Uropygi egg sac stage 2 sm.jpg

Nor for that matter, is Vinnie a "Vinnie"..............