Abstract
Tricca lutetiana (Simon 1876) (Lycosidae) lives hidden underground and, thus, is not well known. Our objective was to document more fully basic information on reproduction, particularly copulation, in this species.
We obtained and observed in the laboratory 86 individuals from the wild between 2006 and 2008. Vibratory and tactile communication is an important medium during sexual communication.
We described unique movements of the mating male’s legs during copulation, for the first time in the family Lycosidae. Adult females live for two years and, in their underground burrows, they produce one cocoon per season.
They carry the cocoon, mostly using legs IV, and look after it for one month until the offspring leave. Maternal care for spiderlings lasts one week following the spiderlings’ emergence.