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Spider Mites

All articles tagged with #spider mites

biology2 years ago•3 min saved

Spider Mite Males Strip Females for First Mating

Male spider mites have been observed to undress premature females that are about to molt and mature, in order to secure the first mating. This behavior increases the male's reproductive success by preventing rival males from inseminating the female. The undressing process involves the male actively stripping off the old skin of the female, exposing her genital opening for mating. This behavior highlights the intense competition for first mating in spider mites and sheds light on the complex reproductive strategies of these tiny arachnids.

via Phys.org|

#arachnids #biology #mating-strategies

nature2 years ago•2 min saved

"Spider Mites Accelerate Mating Process Through Skin Suit Assistance"

Male spider mites have evolved a unique behavior of helping females shed their juvenile skin suits to speed up the mating process. By spotting the silvery appearance of females on the verge of sexual maturity, males assist in removing the old skin, exposing the female's genital opening for mating. This strategy increases the male's reproductive success by ensuring they are the first to mate with the female. The discovery was made during a study on alternative reproductive tactics and highlights the remarkable strategies born out of sexual selection in the animal kingdom.

via IFLScience|

#exuvia #mating-behavior #nature

biology2 years ago•2 min saved

Spider Mite Males Strip Females' Skin for Quick Mating

Male spider mites have been observed removing the skin of female spider mites as part of a mating ritual. Researchers in Austria discovered this behavior while studying spider mites in their lab. The males guard the females and wait for them to molt their exoskeletons. Once the females start molting, the males use their mouthparts to strip off the skin and then mate with them. This behavior ensures that the male is the first to mate with the female and sire all the offspring. This is the first time such skin-stripping behavior has been observed in any species, highlighting the intense mate competition and sophisticated behaviors driven by sexual selection even in tiny animals.

via Livescience.com|

#animal-behavior #biology #mating-ritual