Spider Mating Strategies: From Monogyny to Polygamy
Author Information
Author(s): Schneider Jutta M, Michalik Peter
Primary Institution: University of Hamburg
Hypothesis
Can male Nephila senegalensis regain the ability to mate multiple times despite having one-shot genitalia?
Conclusion
Males of Nephila senegalensis can increase their mating rates by portioning their limited sperm supply, effectively doubling their ancestral mating rates.
Supporting Evidence
- Males can mate with an average of four females, doubling their ancestral mating rate.
- Spermatogenesis is terminated before adulthood, limiting sperm supply.
- Males portion their sperm supply between copulations without reloading.
Takeaway
Some male spiders can mate with many females even if they can only produce a little sperm at a time. They do this by sharing their sperm between the females.
Methodology
Males were mated to multiple females, and their sperm allocation and fertilization success were analyzed.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to controlled mating conditions and limited sample size.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a laboratory setting, which may not fully represent natural conditions.
Participant Demographics
Males were F1 and F2 offspring derived from wild-caught individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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