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THE MATING SEQUENCE OF THE BENTHIC ARROWWORM SPADELLA SCHIZOPTERA
The Biological Bulletin
|January 10, 2018
Summary
Arrowworms (Spadella schizoptera) exhibit a four-step mating process, culminating in non-reciprocal sperm transfer where one individual acts as the male donor and the other as the female recipient.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Animal Behavior
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Arrowworms (Spadella schizoptera) are hermaphroditic marine invertebrates.
- Understanding the reproductive strategies of hermaphroditic organisms is crucial for evolutionary biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and analyze the mating behavior of the arrowworm, Spadella schizoptera.
- To determine the nature of sperm transfer in this species.
Main Methods:
- Photographic observation of mating pairs of Spadella schizoptera.
- Detailed analysis of the sequence and actions during mating.
Main Results:
- Mating involves four distinct behaviors: vertical swinging, head touching, erect posture, and sperm transfer.
- Sperm transfer is a sudden event where a donor ejaculates a sperm cluster to a recipient.
- The process ensures accurate placement of sperm into the partner's genital orifice.
Conclusions:
- Sperm transfer in Spadella schizoptera is non-reciprocal.
- One individual consistently functions as the male (donor) and the other as the female (recipient) during mating.
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