Urodacus elongatus mating

[Mark Newton]

Some shots of an U elongatus mating that took place in my shed yesterday. Shot quality is not the best. The female was born in captivity in 2002, this is her first mating...fingers crossed. She consumed the spermatophore right after they broke apart. She only became fully compliant with the male after he gave her the sexual sting, which lasted a couple of minutes.


The cheliceral kiss/pediplap grasp used for alignment and control

The sexual sting. Note the males cf. long metasoma

Closeup of the sexual sting, held in place for about 2 minutes

even closer: membrane between brachium and chela

Male pulling the female up over the spermatophore. Notice his pectines being used to sense the substrate.

Female consuming the spent spermatophore

closeup:

 

[EAD063]

Great documentation of the process Mark, as you know we aren't all too familiar with your natives.:clap:

 

[Mr. Mordax]

Amazing contribution, Mark! :clap:

I don't understand why the picture quality is "not the best" -- fantastic documentation! :worship:

 

[Mark Newton]

I don't understand why the picture quality is "not the best" -- fantastic documentation! :worship:

Thanks...shooting through pretty scuffed up glass causing fogging and softeness across some of the images. Stills tells the story though.

Cheers

 

[Aillith]

close up of the sexual sting makes me think horrible thoughts of doctors and needles

 

[P. Novak]

Great job Mark! The pictures and process of the mating is outstanding.:clap:

 

[emmille]

great

nice shots man!!!