Nah, I was mostly joking about the autoimmune thing -- the current theory on narcolepsy/Parkinson's hypocretin deficiency is autoimmune, which is why I said it. (I think in some cases it's a bit of a "cop-out" explanation, so it was meant in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way ... Like, "Okay, great, the body is attacking itself -- but WHY?!")

It would be interesting, though, to compile information from various spider owners about the progression of their pets' signs. I've heard of a lot of animals that have developed the "wobble" later in life; I have one girl who had never done anything "loopy," then just the other day I saw her spinning a bit in her cage. I remember awhile ago there was a proven spider female for sale for a very low price because she had never done anything neuro in her life, then laid her clutch and started wobbling.

At the same time, you hear of plenty of little wobblers and spinners right out of the egg ... Has anyone ever had a spider that improved with age?