Has anyone ever heard of this?

[Python]

I just read an interesting article and I was wondering if this applies to T's or just true spiders. This article looks to me to be a bit amateurish and doesn't really convince me that the facts are straight. I'm sure someone here knows something about this and could shed more light on the subject.

The article....

http://today.reuters.com/news/artic...OC_0_US-GERMANY-SPIDER-ODD.xml&src=rss&rpc=22

 

[spid142]

chastity belt?

Im not convinced of this either. I know that males will mate several times, if the female is very receptive, so I would think the multiple matings is the ensuring of less competition and more success to the male at the time. Doesnt mention if only about true spiders or not, maybe someone knows more about this study.

 

[lucanidae]

Many different true spiders leave part of their genetalia in the female as a sort of 'sperm plug'. This does not occur in Theraphosids. Sometimes the male dies after inserting his second palp and his entire body serves as the 'chastity belt'. Some other studies have shown that females that mate with experimentally manipulated males will try to and often succeed at removing the plug.

 

[syndicate]

interesting article.didnt know bout that.sounds like an effective way to make sure your genes are passed on tho

 

[Talkenlate04]

There is some evidence that with Ts as well, when a male mates with a female a plug is formed, and if more matings occure there is a layering of the sperm and another plug made......Its interesting. Its not an appendage being left behind but its a natural plug made by the female.

 

[dragontears]

more info:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070305102410.htm