Do Spiders Need a Male to Reproduce?
WouterSpider reproduction is a complex process. Each spider species has a unique method of mating. This involves many different behavioural techniques.
Most species have solitary lives. Their reproductive effort is dependent on the size of the individual female spider. If they are large, they can produce a great number of eggs. The number of eggs they can lay is based on the spider genus, their food availability and their temperature.
Male spiders have two testes. The sperm is produced by the testes and is used for fertilization. The sperm is stored in receptacles located near the ovaries.
Female spiders have a unique reproductive organ called the epigyne. The epigyne is a black shiny spot between the booklung of the abdomen. It is often hardened. The female epigyne can have one or three openings for egg laying.
The epigyne may be long, or it may break off during mating. The epigyne is usually a dark colour. It has a relationship with the male embolus. The male embolus is a key-like structure.
Male spiders mate by identifying themselves to a potential female. The male’s primary goal is to impregnate the female. The male will then transfer the sperm to the pedipalps. The sperm will be collected in small packets.
Male spiders will also use various techniques to attract a female. Some use drag lines to draw females into the web. Other methods include stridulations and pheromones.
Spiders can reproduce thousands of eggs. Each female lays between eight and ten months. The reproductive period of a spider is determined by many factors, including food availability, temperature and humidity.
