The effect of limb loss on the courtship and mating behavior of the wolf spider Pardosa milvina (Araneae: Lycosidae)
ABSTRACT: Limb loss is common in the wolf spider Pardosa milvina, appearing in nearly one third of adult males but occurring less frequently among adult females and juveniles. Since males wave their first pair of legs during courtship displays, the reproductive consequences of limb loss may be significant. We measured the courtship and mating effects of the loss of one, two, or four legs among adult male P. milvina. Missing one or two legs did not significantly reduce a male's ability to mate, but missing four legs was detrimental to mating success, reduced both courtship intensity and copulation duration, and increased cannibalism frequency. Results suggest behavioral flexibility in compensating for limited leg loss and a defensive function of the anterior-most legs to thwart female cannibalism attempts. Keywords: autotomy, limb loss, mate choice, Pardosa milvina, wolf spider, cannibalism.