Mating Dance

 

Mating Dance

Peacock spider (Maratus volans)

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons

A courtship display or mating dance is a ritual set of movements designed to attract the attention of a potential mate. If successful, the couple will copulate and eventually young will be born or hatched.

Ritual displays are often colourful and extravagant. The Peacock spider (Maratus volans) is a jumping spider native to Australia. Brightly coloured, he also claps his third pair of legs and dances from side to side as he approaches the female. However, if she is not sufficiently impressed by his display, she may eat him!

About sixteen years ago, we were privileged to watch an incredibly special ritual never before captured on camera. The conservatory was empty of everything except a pair of step-ladders. As we attempted to fold the ladders to put them away, we noticed that they were inextricably tangled. On closer inspection, we realised we had chanced upon the mating dance of the step-ladders.

The ladder on the right in the above photograph, is a five-step ladder, a female. The male, on the left, has seven steps and is taller and broader than his mate. Note the black straps – a secondary sexual characteristic of the male.

The following photograph gives a closer view of the male’s technique. See how closely he embraces his mate. Can you see the female’s black feet?

We were delighted to be privy to this unique event and anxiously awaited baby ladders in the near future. We hoped they would be six-steppers, but would have been content simply to see sturdy baby ladders.

 View from another angle, female on left, male on right

Sadly, it was not to be, and a repeat mating was never attempted, for the ladders were separated and stored, never to meet again.

The mating dance . . .

Exciting photographs of a ritual never before captured on camera in captivity!
Today in the conservatory we witnessed a remarkable phenomenon. As we attempted to fold the ladders to put them away we noticed they were inextricably tangled. Looking closer we realised we had chanced upon the mating dance of the step-ladders. The ladder on the left - the female - is a five step step-ladder. The male on the right has seven steps and is taller and broader than his mate. Note the black straps - a secondary sexual characteristic of the male.

The photograph below gives a closer view of the male's technique. See how closely he embraces his mate. Can you see the black feet of the female?

We were delighted to have the privilege of seeing this and anxiously anticipate baby ladders in the near future. We hope they will be six-steppers but of course we won't mind if they're not, just so long as they're sturdy and strong.

Thank you for sharing our joy.