Sexual behaviour of mygalomorph spiders: When simplicity becomes complex; an update of the last 21 years

Abstract

A generally common impression seems to be that the mygalomorphs have simple repertoires of behaviours, but many authors have concluded that this traditional portrayal of mygalomorph behaviours is misleading. An increasing number of studies of reproductive behaviour of mygalomorphs have revealed intricate and complex mechanisms of communication employed by this group. Our objective was to provide a synthetic treatment of the literature published in the last 21 years about sexual behaviour of mygalomorph spiders, in order to contribute in improving our understanding on the widespread and unique behaviours they exhibit. We provide a brief introduction to reproductive behaviour of mygalomorph spiders, and then examine some of the general patterns of courtship and mating behaviours known on some mygalomorph families.