Finding a mate!
Finding a mate
While wandering, male mouse spiders hold their long pedipalps (carrying the mating organs) extended forwards,
presumably seeking an airborne scent
(pheromone) associated with the female
or its burrow. Once the burrow vicinity
is reached the male taps the ground
and silk around the doors until the female
emerges. If she is receptive the
male follows her into the burrow where mating
occurs.
While wandering, male mouse spiders hold their long pedipalps (carrying the mating organs) extended forwards,
presumably seeking an airborne scent
(pheromone) associated with the female
or its burrow. Once the burrow vicinity
is reached the male taps the ground
and silk around the doors until the female
emerges. If she is receptive the
male follows her into the burrow where mating
occurs.