Moved from Jumping Spiders.

But practice first on a "non-critical" specimen. It takes only a really tiny speck. I am using sand once again, fine glass grains that I bought in England. It's not ideal because the glass grains are too shiny.

My good friend Arno recommends fine "bird sand" -- the sand you buy in the pet food shop for pet birds (often made from oyster shell). This is better, IMO, because the grains generally have a matte rather than specular surface. The only disadvantage is that you get the occasional dark grain or two.

Look for something light in color. You have to rinse it first; thereafter you can store it in a container with water.

-K

Hi, Joe,

Another thing that will hold a palp in place is a tiny dab of petroleum jelly on the bottom of the specimen dish. I use this instead of sand, and it works very well.