Mating
Funnel-web Spiders (Hadronyche formidabilis) mating - male in front. Photo: © P Walker.
Different spiders mate in different positions, but in all cases the aim is to transfer sperm from the male to the female. The male does this by inserting the mating organ at the end of its pedipalp (a spine-like structure on tip) carrying the sperm, into the female's reproductive (epigynal) opening on the underside of her body. In some species the tip of the pedipalp will break off during mating or a hardened secretion will block the females openings, preventing other males from mating with that female. The sperm is stored in sacs inside the female's abdomen until she is ready to lay her eggs.
Mating is often aided by specialised spines and spurs on the male's front legs. In Funnel-web Spiders the mating spur and/or spines are on the second legs. They are used by the male to hold the female during mating. During the mating encounter, considerable sparring occurs until the female accepts the male. Both spiders rear up with first legs raised against each other as the male engages his mating spurs across the bases of the female's second legs. The male then inseminates the female by inserting the tips of his palpal organs into the female's genital opening.
Different spider groups adopt different mating postions.
Modified from Forster RR, 1970.
