Agelenids of the World

Systematics and Taxonomy of Agelenidae, a Worldwide distributed Spider Family

Anatomie, histologie et affinites de l'appareil sericigene des Hersilia Sav. et Aud. (Araneae: Hersiliidae)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1984
Authors:J. Kovoor
Journal:Canadian Journal of Zoology
Volume:62
Pagination:97-106
Date Published:1984
ISBN Number:0008-4301
Keywords:Biochemistry, biochemistry & functional, Chemical composition, General morphology, Hersilia (Araneae)., Hersilia [Silk glands / / Anatomy, histology, relationships] [Protein content / / ].
Abstract:

Although hersiliid spiders do not spin any webs, their silk glands, which belong to 6 types, are large and complex. Two groups of ampullate glands, one opening on the anterior spinnerets and the other on the median spinnerets, secrete 2 proteins each. About 180 pyriform glands are clearly bipartite. Over 200 type A aciniform glands opening on the median and posterior spinnerets are made up of 3 categories of secretory cells. Silk from these glands consists of 2 proteins (core and outer coat) joined together by an intermediary layer of acidic glycoprotein. All the 160 type B aciniform glands opening on the posterior spinnerets secrete a single protein. Fifty tubuliform glands opening on the median and posterior spinnerets produce 2 proteins, one of which is colored. As in Uroteinae, long posterior spinnerets and large, numerous aciniform and tubuliform glands are correlated with swathing of prey and egg-cocoon construction. In Lycosidae and Agelenidae, the ampullate glands show the same number and distribution according to the spinnerets. Anatomical and histochemical features of hersiliid aciniform and ampullate glands are close to those of some Araneoidea. Apart from peculiar characteristics, silk glands of Hersilia might represent an intermediate evolutionary stage towards Araneoidea.

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