Agelenids of the World

Systematics and Taxonomy of Agelenidae, a Worldwide distributed Spider Family

Contact sex signals on web and cuticle of Tegenaria atrica (Araneae, Agelenidae)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1999
Authors:O. Prouvost, Trabalon, M., Papke, M., Schulz, S.
Journal:Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology
Volume:40
Pagination:194-202
Date Published:1999
ISBN Number:0739-4462
Keywords:/ Female chemical sex recognition signals, Animal constructions, Behaviour, Biochemistry, Communication, cuticle & web, Ecology, female cuticle & web] [Chemical signals / / ] [Webs / / ]., Integument, Male responses to female sexual receptivity] [Cuticle /, Reproduction, Reproductive behaviour, sexual receptivity, significance] [Sex recognition / / Chemical sex recognition signals on, Tegenaria atrica (Araneae)., Tegenaria atrica [Lipids / / Contact sex recognition signals on female
Abstract:

Qualitative changes in lipid content and composition were examined on the web and cuticle of Tegenaria atrica females in relation to sexual receptivity. In this spider species, 78 different compounds were detected by gas chromatography in the cuticle extract and 50 in the web; 28 identical compounds were present both on the spider silk and the cuticle of the female. The components were long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, fatty acids, and esters. On the web, sexual receptivity was correlated with changes in eleven polar compounds. On the cuticle, sexual receptivity was correlated with changes in eight polar compounds and 26 hydrocarbons. Bioassays demonstrated that the methanol eluate of webs and females were involved in stimulating the sexual behavior of males. Qualitative and/or quantitative changes in hexadecanoic acid, octadecadienoic acid, octadecenoic acid, methyl palmitate, methyl octadecanoate, and n-tricosane could play a role in the contact sex signals from web and cuticle ofT. atrica.

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