The Developmental History of Latrodectus Mactans (Fabr.) at Different Rates of Feeding

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Abstract
Spiderlings of L. mactans were reared in separate shell vials at several rates of feeding. Maximal feeding resulted in fewer meals, fewer and shorter instars, increased period of fasting before molts, and a longer last instar. At lower feeding rates, the longest instar occurred at progressively earlier periods. Variations in instar length were of 3 types: those due to rate of feeding, those due to the number of instars completed before maturity by the males and females of a single series, and those due to individual variations. The age at maturity varied with the length and number of instars. Mortality was highest for the series fed minimally. More than half of the deaths during development were related to the molt. Sex ratios, length of life, and number of spiderlings reaching maturity were studied.

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