Copulatory mechanics in the funnel-web spiders Histopona torpida and Textrix denticulata (Agelenidae, Araneae)

The functional morphology of the copulatory organs of Histopona torpida (C. L. Koch, 1834) and Textrix denticulata (Olivier, 1789), investigated by semi-thin serial sectioning after freezefixation of the animals in copula, is described. In H. torpida, the long embolus runs through a precisely defined course in the membraneous genital pouch of the female vulva. The patellar apophysis locks the pedipalp in the female epigastric furrow. In T. denticulata this is accomplished by the retrolateral tibial apophysis that gets hold at the female scape. In both species the conductor has a locking as well as a guiding function for the embolus. A comparison with previously investigated agelenids shows a surprising diversity in the function of the retrolateral tibial apophysis.