Agelenopsis anatomy question

[WasK]

Hi All -

A friend took this photo of an Agelenopsis naevia recently. He and I were hoping someone here would know what the black loop like structures were attached near the ends of its pedipalps. All thoughts / comments greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
WK

 

[NRF]

Hi All -

A friend took this photo of an Agelenopsis naevia recently. He and I were hoping someone here would know what the black loop like structures were attached near the ends of its pedipalps. All thoughts / comments greatly appreciated!

It is apparently the embolus of the male palp.
Embolus is:
“The structure, in the male palp, containing the terminal part of the ejaculatory duct and its opening. It may be very small, or long, whip-like or coiled and is sometimes divided into several structures”
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/2073/SpinTerminEng.html

 

[NRF]

In other words, the tips of which are inserted during copulation.

 

[WasK]

NRF, just what I was looking for. Thanks very much!

Cheers,
WK