Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Raspy cricket style

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.

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