Male spider mites engage in a bizarre mating ritual. It involves “undressing” females by pulling off their skin before sex, according to a study in Austria.
The researchers, studying spider mites in their laboratory, stumbled upon this creepy behaviour.
Spider mites are relatives of insects like spiders and scorpions, barely visible to the naked eye.
They observed that male spider mites would guard the females, patiently waiting for the right moment to make their move.
Specifically, they targeted maturing females, who typically reach sexual maturity at around 10 days of age.
The males displayed an ability to recognise when the females were ready to moult, a process in which they shed their old exoskeletons to make way for new growth.
The researchers noticed that the females’ exuvia, the discarded outer skin, would turn silvery as air got trapped between the old and new skin.
To speed up the female’s readiness for mating, the male spider mite manoeuvres beneath her and skilfully employs his pedipalps, needle-like mouthparts, to carefully peel off her skin.
Once the exuvia is removed, the male proceeds to insert his aedeagus, the reproductive organ, into the female.
While the exact purpose of this behaviour remains unclear, it likely serves to ensure that the female is receptive and ready for mating.
Notably, this dedicated guarding behaviour by the males is crucial since the first male to successfully mate with a female becomes the sole contributor to her offspring.
The competition among males to secure a mate is strangely fierce, driving them to invest substantial energy and time in safeguarding their mating opportunities.
Interestingly, the researchers also discovered that the female spider mites could “undress” themselves when it came time for moulting.
However, there was a significant distinction in the undressing technique employed by the females.
They would start removing the skin from their heads, while the males would begin with the hind part of the skin.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Spider mites
