Testing female receptiveness to novel or previous mating partners in a wolf spider

Abstract

A number of hypotheses have been proposed as causes driving female multiple mating, distinguishing between direct or indirect benefits. We tested if Schizocosa malitiosa females recognize their first sexual mates and prefer other males for re-mating. We also analyzed if characteristics of a first mating affected female decision of re-mating. In monandry group (M), 20 virgin females mated and 3-4 days after they were exposed to the same male. In polyandry group (P), 20 virgin females mated and 3-4 days after they were exposed to a different male. Fifteen males courted mated females in M and 17 males in P. Re-mating occurrence and copulatory patterns were similar in both groups, but re-matings were briefer in P than in M and showed less palpal insertions compared to first matings. We did not find any relationship between copulatory characteristics and re-mating occurrence. We found no conclusive evidence that mated S. malitiosa females select second mates according to their first mate. The causes which determine female re-mating as well as changes in re-mating patterns are discussed.

Updates and perspectives on reproductive behavior of South American wolf spiders

“…For example, in Uruguay the sexual behavior has been described in detail for only seven species out of a total of 31 species described so far for this country (Castro O'Neil 2010; Costa & González 2015). Schizocosa malitiosa (Tullgren, 1905) is one of the most studied South American wolf spiders, having proved to be an excellent model for studies of sexual behavior (Costa 1998; Aisenberg & Costa 2005; Useta et al 2007; Coelho et al 2010; Costa et al 2011) (Fig. 1).…”