Complementary notes on natural history and reproductive biology of Mecicobothrium thorelli Holmberg 1882 (Araneae: Mecicobothriidae) from Argentina.

FERRETTI NELSON; SCHWERDT LEONELA; COPPERI SOFÍA; POMPOZZI GABRIEL

eJournal of Biological Sciences

eJournals of Academic Research & Reviews

Lugar: Islamabad; Año: 2013

2076-9946

A complementary study of the biology of Mecicobothrium thorelli Holmberg 1882 in Argentina was carried out in the field (Ventania system, Buenos Aires) and laboratory. This species is found under big stones in shady grassland slopes where it builds sheet and funnel webs. Male initiated courtship with body vibrations, palpal drumming and leg tapping when contacted with the female web. Seven copulations were observed with a mean duration of 35.73 min, while males performed between 18 and 25 alternate palpal insertions. Maturity molting and sexual activity occur at the beginning of the cool period and this peak of fall/winter activity could be interpreted as a way to avoid predation.