Crickets from the family Gryllacrididae are known for their ability to produce silk, for their powerful jaws, but not for their mating style. I came across this pair and had to take the shot; the male being so 'creative' with his no-handed approach.
Mating for these crickets essentially involves the transfer of a spermatophore. Not only does this serve to fertilise the female's eggs, but part of it (the spermatophylax) provides her with a nutrient rich meal afterwards.
|
A male free-styling his way to sexual success. |
|
A female gryllacridid feeding on the spermatophylax after mating. |
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHe's flexible
ReplyDelete