Spiders are among the most popular types of arachnids, but there are many different types of other arachnids. Take the harvestman, for example, which was recently discovered to have three different male types.
Arachnid Study Reveals Three Male Types
According to IFL Science, a new study into arachnids, specifically the harvestmen, found three classifications of males and discovered the reason for their separation. As such, these classifications were named alpha, beta, and gamma.
The specific species of harvestman studied was the Fosteropsalis pureora, which frequent New Zealand's wet caves and forests. Analysis of their species revealed sexual hierarchy within the three male classifications.
While the alpha and beta males were natural to the species, it was the Gamma males that had a unique origin. The paper was published in Behavioral Ecology, which outlines the possible origins of the Gamma male.
Notable observations showed alpha and beta males shared similar physical attributes, having large chelicerae or jaws. Such weaponry made up around half of their total weight and was often used by these two male types to fight each other for females.
What was interesting about the study was Gamma males, which could originate from the arachnid using a specific defense mechanism.
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Arachnid Gamma Males
IFL Science reports that Gamma males were up to seven times smaller than their alpha and beta counterparts. However, their lack of size results in cunningness when trying to mate with a female harvestman.
One fact about harvestmen is that to escape predators, they can voluntarily cut off their legs despite being unable to grow them in replacement. Aside from being seen as possible defense practice, male arachnids that did this were found to have a higher chance of turning into Gamma males.
The research calculated that the chances of harvestmen that lost their legs during development turning into Gamma males were 45 times more likely. Dr. Erin Powell, who is the author of the study, gave a possible explanation for the phenomenon.
Why These Arachnids Turn Into Gammas
Dr. Powell notes that a likely reason for them to become Gammas is due to their lack of food for development. As such, this would likely be due to their impeded hunting abilities.
The study author also suggests that an alternative explanation could be because of how fighting becomes pointless since they're already at a disadvantage. Because of this, the Gammas invest in other resources.
IFL Science describes how the mentioned resources that these arachnids could be invested in include sperm count, testes size, or aerobic poise. As such, these could be alternative methods to increase their mating opportunities.
Dr. Powell said this would provide Gamma males with a new strategy of instead looking for competition, focusing on undefended males. As such, this would let Gamma males avoid facing male-on-male battles.
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