David L. Clark, Ph.D.
Selected Articles
Clark, D.L. and B. Biesiadecki. "Mating success and alternative reproductive strategies of the dimorphic jumping spider, Maevia inclemens (Araneae, Salticidae)." Journal of Arachnology. 2002. 30. 511-518
More Details:
ABSTRACT. The two male morphs of the dimorphic jumping spider, Maevia inclemens, differ dramatically in morphology and courtship behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the mating success of the two male types. Mating success was measured by the number and duration of copulation events, the latency of visual orientation by the female to a courting male, signals of female receptivity, risk of predation by the female, and the number of offspring produced by each morph. The morphs did not differ significantly with respect to copulation success, mating events, mating duration, signals of receptivity or the number of offspring produced. However, males did differ with respect to latency of visual orientation as a function of distance from the female. Near to the female, the gray males attracted female attention in significantly less time than tufted males. Conversely, at far distances from the female, the tufted males attracted female attention in less courtship time. This study suggests that males attain equal levels of mating success and that the two male morphs may have evolved alternative reproductive strategies for courtship at different distances from the female.
