Reproductive behavior and seasonal occurrence of Psecas viridipurpureus (Salticidae, Araneae)

• Published in: Revista Brasileira de biologia Vol. 60; no. 2; pp. 221 - 228
• Main Authors: Rossa-Feres, Dd, Romero, GQ, Gonçalves-De- Freitas E, Feres, RJ
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Instituto Internacional de Ecologia 01-05-2000
• Subjects: BIOLOGY; Brazil; Bromelia balansae; Psecas viridipurpureus; Salticidae; reproductive biology; seasonal occurrence; ocorrência sazonal; courtship behavior; Psecas viridipurpureus; comportamento de corte; Salticidae; biologia reprodutiva
• ISSN: 0034-7108; 0034-7108
• DOI: 10.1590/S0034-71082000000200005

The reproductive behavior and the seasonal occurrence of Psecas viridipurpureus were studied at the Estação Ecológica do Noroeste Paulista, a small conservation area in the northwest region of São Paulo State, Brazil (49 degrees 22'50"W and 20 degrees 48'36"S). P. viridipurpureus occurred on "gravatá", a bromeliaceous plant (Bromelia balansae, Bromeliaceae) which does not accumulate rain water. During the courtship display the couple occupied the median region of the "gravatá" leaves, with the male always located in a higher position than the female. The males of P. viridipurpureus showed a complex courtship behavior, which included five motor patterns. The courtship and mating behavior occurred preponderantly during the rainy season and the juvenile recruitment between December and July. The retreat of P. viridipurpureus differs from the Salticidae pattern, since the egg sacs are covered with a plain silk cover and are not wrapped in cocoons.