| abstract | Saxidromus delamarei Coineau 1974, type species of the family Saxidromidae, discovered in the south of France, shows a unique mating display (Coineau, 1976). The male heaves the female on to his back in a top to tail position, he then deposits a spermatophore on which he impales his partner. Bovidromus roussouwi n. gen., n. sp. and Rhinodromus lootsi n. gen., n. sp. from South Africa show, within this same basic behavioural pattern, new strategies as well as variations related to secondary sexual characteristics of the males. Comments on the systematic position of the Saxidromus and on their diet are given. |