Project Timeline

Founder Female Collected

August 23, 2026

A wild-caught Southern Black Widow founder female was collected and became the foundation of the Hourglass Exotics project. At the time of collection, it was not known that the female was carrying a developing egg sac. This animal would later establish the project's first documented generation.

Egg Sac #1 Produced

August 24, 2026

One day after collection, the founder female produced Egg Sac #1 inside her temporary enclosure. The female's gravid condition had not been known when she was collected, making the egg sac an unexpected early milestone for the project.

Egg Sac #1 Hatched

September 19, 2026

Hatching had been anticipated for more than a week through regular observation of the egg sac. On September 19, 2026, the first spiderlings emerged. The hatch marked the beginning of the sling-development phase and produced the first captive-hatched offspring documented by Hourglass Exotics.

First Cohort Verification Completed

September 24, 2026

Following initial hydration and sling distribution efforts, a full verification established the first documented colony baseline for the project.

First Feeding Day Completed

September 27, 2026

The first documented feeding with flightless fruit flies was completed for the verified active spiderlings. A feeding-response video documented a Southern Black Widow sling attacking prey shortly after introduction, marking the transition from post-hatch establishment to active feeding and developmental monitoring.

Post-Feeding Verification & Rehydration Completed

September 30, 2026

Post-feeding verification and rehydration were completed. Most fruit flies recovered from cups appeared as dried husks, though feeding confirmation remained under observation. Most surviving slings were active and established within webbing. Multiple escaped slings were recovered from holding totes and returned to individual cups, where they received additional prey as a precaution. Continued monitoring focused on feeding response, growth, and future molts.

Second Feeding & Rehydration Completed

October 4, 2026

The second feeding and rehydration were completed. The cohort's first molts were observed, with fewer than 10 molt skins documented. Most surviving slings remained active and established within webbing. Continued monitoring will document development and feeding response.

Third Feeding Verification & Rehydration Completed

October 9, 2026

The third feeding and rehydration were completed, and 208 active slings were verified. Continued molting activity was observed throughout the cohort. Size variation is becoming increasingly noticeable, with some slings appearing significantly larger than others. Most surviving slings remained active and established within webbing. Continued monitoring will document growth and development.

Feeding & Maintenance Cycle Completed

October 11, 2026

The feeding and maintenance cycle was completed, with 197 verified active slings. Continued molt activity and additional molt skins were observed throughout the cohort. Developmental variation is becoming more apparent, with noticeable size differences between individuals. Early physical characteristics that may assist future sex determination are beginning to appear. Continued monitoring and documentation will track cohort development. The 48-Hour Prey-Removal Checkpoint was added to the husbandry workflow to support enclosure management and maintenance efficiency.