Age-Specific Traits and a Post-Maturation Molt in Black Widow Spiders Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Aranei, Theridiidae)

Аннотация

Age-specific traits in the black widow spiders Latrodectus tredecimguttatus from Crimea were studied. A post-maturation molt in black widow females was recorded for the first time. The somatic traits (body size and cuticle structure) in some adult females were found to be identical to those of juvenile specimens. Some females in the studied spider population may become mature 1 or 2 instars earlier than others, continue their growth, and molt when mature.