sperm web

Sperm are the male reproductive cells produced by most animals, essential for fertilization and the creation of new offspring. These cells are typically flagellated, meaning they possess a tail that enables movement. The head of the sperm contains chromosomes, which carry genetic information that determines an individual's characteristics and the sex of a future child. A cap-like structure called the acrosome on the sperm head contains enzymes that aid in penetrating the egg.1

In some species, like spiders, males have specialized appendages called pedipalps to hold sperm. Before mating, male spiders create a "sperm web" where they deposit sperm from their body. They then draw this sperm into their pedipalps, a process called sperm induction, to transfer it to the female. In certain mites, males produce a transparent sac called a spermatic capsule to deliver sperm to the female's reproductive tract. Sperm can survive for a limited time within the female reproductive system or can be stored frozen for extended periods.231