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Abstract
Mating behaviour is analysed and compared in six species of the Theridion varians-group: Theridion melanostictum O. P.-Cambridge, The petraeum L. Koch, T. pictum (Walckenaer), T. pinastri L. Koch, T. refugum Drensky and T. varians Hahn. Copulation consists of numerous sequences of palpal insertions (copulatory sequences). Each sequence is followed by a sperm induction, except the last one which is terminated by formation of the mating plug. Number and duration of copulatory sequences and palpal insertion pattern exhibit considerable differences between species, as well as the number of insertion attempts. The first sequence of insertions not preceded by sperm induction is a pseudocopulation, a sequence without sperm transfer. As evidence of lack of insemination, pseudocopulated females did not lay an egg-cocoon. The mating plug is produced by secretions of the male and female genital tract. The male secretion is transferred to the palps via a ‘sperm web’ and to the epigyne by palpal applications. It is responsible for hardening of the plug. Plugged females will not copulate with another mate. In contrast to other araneoid spiders, contralateral insertion (left embolus inserts into right introductory duct and vice versa) is the rule in these species.
