Copulation in the lycosid spider (Lycosa rabida walckenaer): A quantitative study

An event recorder was used to obtain information on the temporal patterning of palpal insertions and palpal moistening in wolf spider matings. The series of insertions of each palp was characterized by a linear increase in insertion duration. The rate of change of insertion duration was fairly constant for the species. Asymmetry in the mechanism underlying palpal insertion was indicated by differences between the palps of some males in mean insertion duration and repetition rate. Termination of mating was initiated by the male's decreasing activity. Defensive behaviours described for the first time in spiders included spine erection in both sexes during mounting and ‘cheliceral pinching’ by the male when dismounting.