In a groundbreaking study, scientists have finally shed light on the complex mating rituals* of the Sydney funnel-web spider. This discovery fills a crucial* gap in our understanding of these remarkable arachnids*.
Dr. Bruno Buzatto, an ecologist from Flinders University, described the study as a “breakthrough”.
“While we have previously studied the venomous* nature of the funnel-web spider, very little was known about their ecological behaviours*.”
The Sydney funnel-web spider, known for its highly venomous bite, has long remained elusive* due to its concealed lifestyle in funnel-shaped webs built in soil and leaf-litter habitats. However, using videos and observations conducted in captivity*, a team of Australian and German experts, including researchers from Flinders University and the Australian Reptile Park, meticulously described the mesmerising courtship behaviours* and mating systems of these fascinating creatures.
The study, recently published in the Journal of Zoology, unravels a captivating narrative of pre-copulatory* courtship. From the male’s intricate display outside the female’s burrow to leg and body vibrations, as well as a daring lunge followed by lifting the female, every step of the mating process has been documented.
Dr Buzatto revealed, “During mating, female Sydney funnel-web spiders appear calm, but some encounters ended with the female chasing away the male.”
Contrary to popular belief, instances of cannibalism* in these spiders were rare and mostly occurred in captive settings rather than in the wild.
One particular focus of the study was the male funnel-web spider’s “clasping spurs*” found on their second pair of legs. It was previously assumed that these spurs existed solely to keep the female upright, preventing her from attacking or devouring the male.
However, Dr Buzatto said the research team discovered a new perspective.
“Our study suggests that these spurs are used to pull the female towards the male and secure their connection.”
The investigation involved meticulously* documenting 451 videos and 165 minutes of footage featuring different mating pairs. These spiders, with males averaging 20mm and females reaching 27.5mm in size, were observed leaving their funnel-web burrows* for mating purposes.
“There is still much we don’t know about the behaviours of funnel-web spiders and other mygalomorphs*. We hope that this research inspires future studies to fill this knowledge gap*.”
GLOSSARY
- mating rituals: the specific behaviours and actions that animals engage in when trying to reproduce
- crucial: of great importance
- arachnids: a group of animals that includes spiders, scorpions, and ticks, characterised by having eight legs and a segmented body
- venomous: having poison or a harmful substance that can be injected into another organism
- ecological behaviours: the actions and interactions of animals in their natural environment
- elusive: difficult to find or capture
- captivity: being held or kept in confinement, like in a zoo or a controlled environment
- courtship behaviours: actions performed by animals during the mating process to attract a mate
- pre-copulatory: activities that occur before the actual mating process
- cannibalism: when an animal consumes members of its own species
- clasping spurs: special structures found on the legs of male funnel-web spiders used for holding or grasping the female
- meticulously: excessive care in the consideration or treatment of details
- burrows: a hole or tunnel dug by an animal for shelter or protection
- mygalomorphs: a group of spiders that includes funnel-web spiders and tarantulas
- knowledge gap: areas or topics that are not well understood or require further research
EXTRA READING
‘Ferocious’ new spider discovered in Australia
Sleepy spiders caught on camera
Following a funnel-web’s footsteps
QUICK QUIZ
- Who conducted the research into the mating rituals of the Sydney funnel-web spider?
- Why was the Sydney funnel-web spider considered elusive prior to this study?
- What specific behaviours and actions were documented during the mating process of the Sydney funnel-web spiders?
- What surprising discovery was made regarding the male funnel-web spiders’ “clasping spurs”?
- What does Dr Buzatto hope this study will inspire in terms of future research on funnel-web spiders?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
1. Why do we need to know?
Why is it important for us to learn about the behaviours of funnel web spiders? Write a list of reasons.
Time: allow 10 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English; Science
2. Extension
Why do you think that funnel webs become cannibals when they are in captivity but do not do this in the wild? Write a paragraph explaining your ideas. Us your research skills to check your ideas and add to your answer.
Time: allow 25 minutes for this activity
Curriculum Links: English; Science
VCOP ACTIVITY
Opener up-level it
Make a list of all the openers in the article. Pick three that repeat and see if you can replace them with another word, or shuffle the order of the sentence to bring a new opener to the front.
Don’t forget to re-read the sentence to make sure it still makes sense, and that it actually sounds better.