How Do Spiders Reproduce Sexually?
WouterThere are many interesting aspects of the mating behavior of spiders. There is a great deal of variation between species, genera, and families. While there are a few common behaviors, there are also a great number of fascinating habits that are still being explored.
One of the most common mating behaviors is sexual cannibalism. Males mate with females multiple times, often several times per year. This can lead to an opportunistic form of mating. This type of behavior can cause sexual cannibalism and conflict between the sexes.
Another common behavior is mate guarding. A male may wrap a female’s web to protect her from a rival male. This reduces the likelihood of the other male stealing her sperm.
Several sex-determining chromosomes have been identified in spiders. These include the X chromosome. Some of these chromosomes are extremely stable. However, they have been found only in two genera of basal araneomorphs.
X chromosomes are primarily found in entelegyne spiders. They are also found in a few basal araneomorphs. They are thought to be derived from the ancestral karyotype.
The X chromosome can be used to identify sex in different stages of life. A recent study in social spiders discovered a bias in sperm production.
Some spiders exhibit extreme sex dimorphism. This can lead to a condition called anisogamy. During anisogamy, the sex ratios are highly female-biased.
In some species, males can plug the ducts in females’ genitals. This can help the spider avoid remating. The female genitals are hardened plates on the underside of the abdomen in front of the gonopore.
