Courtship behavior and copulation in Tengella radiata (Araneae, Tengellidae)

Abstract

The first description of the courtship behavior and copulation is provided for Tengella radiata (Kulczynski 1909). The male courts the female by rocking his body and vibrating his abdomen. These behaviors seem to induce the female to move out from her retreat onto the sheet and incline her body to facilitate intromission. The female has an active role during the courtship: strumming the tunnel and sheet threads, apparently inducing the male to increase the frequency and intensity of his courtship. Palpal insertion is extremely short. The female terminates the copulation by lunging at the male.