Spiderling emergence in the tarantula Grammostola mollicoma (Ausserer 1875): an experimental approach (Araneae, Theraphosidae)

摘要

The ability of Grammostola mollicoma (Ausserer 1875) spiderlings (Araneae, Theraphosidae) to emerge from the cocoon without the assistance of their mother was tested experimentally. We created two experimental groups with 23 cocoons in each group. In one of the groups we cut the cocoon wall creating an opening; in the other group, the cocoon remained untouched. We found no differences between the groups in either the number or instar composition of the spiderlings that emerged. The spiderlings were able to emerge without the assistance of their mother. The emerging instars in both groups were precocious compared to previous suggestions in the literature.