Jumping spider courtship

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MarkSturtevant
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Jumping spider courtship

Post by MarkSturtevant »

A while ago I had in hand a male and female bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax). So I thought to try to mate them. That did not happen, but there was courtship and it was interesting.
Here is the female and then the male.
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This can be very dangerous for the male. When I was but a young lad I tried to mate this species, and the female outright murdered the male. So I first wanted to see how this one felt about a handsome suitor. I put her in a cage made with microscope cover slips. She seemed interested in a good way! Leg waving and not murderously pouncing is a good sign.
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So I let her out (I was still pretty nervous though). Their interactions were very entertaining and endearing. Jumping spiders are simply a marvel!
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But alas, his efforts were not satisfactory for whatever reason. She would always make for an exit after a few moments, and he would be left looking rather forlorn. I tried this several times with the same result.
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I later released both of them after first giving them a good meal and wishing them luck.
Mark Sturtevant
Dept. of Still Waters

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