ITHACA, N.Y., Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A new study indicates a male wolf spider who looks familiar to his mate is less likely to be eaten during courtship.
Scientists at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., said female wolf spiders prefer to mate with males that look similar to those they encountered before they were sexually mature.
The BBC reported the study says that suggests invertebrates have social recognition, which can be maintained and remembered throughout the different phases of their lives.
Lead researcher Eileen Hebets said the are exciting because no-one previously found signs of social recognition in invertebrates. She said the research indicates a level of complexity that has not been previously seen.
The study reveals male wolf spiders mature much faster than females, which means while she is still unable to mate herself, a female wolf spider is exposed to many sexually mature males.
The researchers said what she sees at that crucial time in her life determines her future sexual preference and females will avoid breeding with unfamiliar males altogether.
The study appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
