Homotypic assortative mating is consistent across temporal scales in the spider Mecynogea lemniscata (Araneidae)

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Homotypic assortative mating is consistent across temporal scales in the spider Mecynogea lemniscata (Araneidae) Abstract Identifying patterns of size-assortative mating (SAM) indicates the direction of genetic changes in a population. A reliable method for estimating it in a population is to measure mate assortments within and between breeding seasons¸ as well as describing size variation of males and females between temporal scales to avoid Simpson’s paradox. We assessed sexual size dimorphism, the effects of ontogeny, size differences within each sex, the consistency of SAM within and between seasons, and male mate choice in the spider  Mecynogea lemniscata . We collected mating pairs in a  Eucalyptus  plantation across two breeding seasons and in four periods of the second season. We measured body mass and carapace width of spiders. Males matured earlier than females and guarded subadult partners. Although adults were larger and heavier than subadults, ontogeny did no...

Natural history of two spider species of the genus Phonotimpus (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) endemic to Chiapas, Mexico

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Natural history of two spider species of the genus Phonotimpus (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) endemic to Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

Phonotimpus pennimani and P. talquian (Phrurolithidae) are common spider species inhabiting leaf litter in tropical environments of Chiapas, Mexico. This study summarizes laboratory and field observations on their natural history. Both species were observed preying on Tomoceridae springtails in the field and exhibited a preference for springtails in laboratory conditions. Both species continued feeding well beyond maturity, and juveniles were capable of subduing large springtails. Females continued feeding even while guarding their egg sacs. Both species constructed disk-like egg sacs and guarded them until offspring emergence, demonstrating maternal care. Juveniles and penultimate instars typically constructed retreats for molting. Additionally, we documented the parasitism on P. pennimani eggs by a Scelionidae wasp.

Chamé-Vázquez, David, Ibarra-Núñez, Guillermo, & Jiménez, María-Luisa. (2025). Natural history of two spider species of the genus Phonotimpus (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) endemic to Chiapas, Mexico. Acta zoológica mexicana, 41, e2714. Epub 20 de mayo de 2025.https://doi.org/10.21829/azm.2025.4112714