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Spider sex play has its pluses

Playing at mating yields later benefits for young arachnids

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

SALT LAKE CITY — When pairs of young comb-footed spiders engage in an arachnid version of heavy petting, the males gain experience that appears to pay off later.

NOT QUITE IT A male comb-footed spider’s (left) courtship and almost-mating with a not-quite-mature female might qualify as playful, beneficial practice.