Sperm Transfer and Spermatophore Morphology of the Whip Spiders Sarax buxtoni, S. brachydactylus (Charinidae), Charon cf. grayi, and Stygophrynus brevispina nov. spec. (Charontidae) (Chelicerata, Amblypygi)
2002; Elsevier BV; Volume: 241; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1078/s0044-5231(04)70069-8
ISSN1873-2674
Autores Tópico(s)Study of Mite Species
ResumoReproductive biology and spermatophore morphology of four species of Amblypygi, belonging to two different families, are described. Basically, courtship and mating in Sarax buxtoni, S. brachydactylus, Stygophrynus brevispina nov. spec. and Charon cf.grayi are similar to those of many other whip spiders. However, each species has its own peculiarity. Like in other species, the female is not passive during courtship; she plays an active role with her own courtship signals and may even initiate courtship behaviour. The comparison of the spermatophores of S. buxtoni and S. sarawakensis with S. brachydactylus show two different types of spermatophores. At present, all three species should be included in the same taxon and Phrynichosarax should be considered a junior synonym of Sarax as long as there are no synapomorphies known. Mating behaviour and spermatophore morphology of C. cf.grayi from two different localities suggest both represent different species. Their behaviour and spermatophores and that of Stygophrynus brevispina supports the placement of the genera Stygophrynus and Charon in the taxon Charontidae. The presence of lateral horns on the spermatophore head of Charon raises the question of whether these structures are synapomorphic for the Neoamblypygi or even Euamblypygi. This question cannot be answered conclusively at present.
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