Active respiration rates for the burrowing wolf spider Geolycosa domifex (Hancock)

1980 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 1066-1074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald J. McQueen

The locomotion of individual burrowing wolf spiders, Geolycosa domifex (Hancock), was continuously monitored over 24-h periods and at the same lime respiration rates (microlitres CO2) were also continuously recorded. Five categories of activity and rest were identified: (1) in-burrow activity, (2) surface activity, (3) vertical activity, (4) in-burrow rest, and (5) surface rest. Respiration rates were determined for each category with respect to spider weight and temperature. The vertical activity rates were 10 times higher than resting rates, the surface activity rates were 4.5 times higher, and the in-burrow activity rates were 3.2 times higher. The activity–respiration rates were combined in a simple model which was tested against independently collected data and found to be in agreement. Scope for activity was calculated with respect to both weight and temperature, and it was found that the smallest animals at the lowest temperatures had the greatest scope for activity expressed as microlitres CO2 per gram body weight.

1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 843-846 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. M. Culik ◽  
D. J. McQueen

The activities of individual burrowing wolf spiders were continuously recorded with time-lapse television and respiration rates were simultaneously recorded. Five categories of activity and rest were differentiated and it was found that resting rates on the surface of the burrow and in the burrow were indistinguishable and similar to measures recorded in other studies. On average, in-burrow activity required 55% more energy than resting, surface activity required 220% more energy, and vertical activity (moving up the burrow) required 1780% more energy than resting. These data were analyzed with respect to the periodicity of activity patterns observed in the field and it was found that respiration rates that relate to periods of field activity are 40% higher than rates recorded for spiders assumed to be at rest.


2012 ◽  
Vol 90 (6) ◽  
pp. 714-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.J. Bowden ◽  
C.M. Buddle

We studied populations of three tundra-dwelling wolf spider (Lycosidae) species to determine reproductive trait relationships and developmental timing in the Arctic. We collected 451 Pardosa lapponica (Thorell, 1872), 176 Pardosa sodalis Holm, 1970, and 117 Pardosa moesta Banks, 1892 during summer 2008. We used log-likelihood ratio tests and multiple linear regressions to determine the best predictors of fecundity and relative reproductive effort. Female body size best explained the variation in fecundity and body condition was the best predictor for relative reproductive effort. We tested for a trade-off between the allocation of resources to individual eggs and the number of eggs produced (fecundity) within each species using linear regression. There was variation in detectable egg size and number trade-offs among sites and these may be related to local variation in resource allocation linked to density-related biotic or abiotic factors. These findings contribute to knowledge about the fitness of arctic wolf spiders in the region of study and are particularly relevant in light of the effects that climate changes are predicted to have on the arctic fauna.


2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (7) ◽  
pp. 648-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Aisenberg ◽  
F. G. Costa

Allocosa brasiliensis (Petrunkevitch, 1910) is a nocturnal wolf spider inhabitant of coastal dunes. Pitfall-trap data suggested the occurrence of two sympatric and synchronic morphs, with differences in adult size and abdominal design (minor and major morphs). Previous studies performed with the major morph of A. brasiliensis, postulated courtship-role and sexual size dimorphism reversal for this spider. In the present study, we compare data on development and morphology and test reproductive isolation between morphs of A. brasiliensis, with the hypotheses that the two morphs are reproductively isolated and both show courtship-role reversal. As had been reported for the major morph of A. brasiliensis, the minor-morph females approached the burrows of minor-morph males, entered, initiated courtship, and after copulation, males closed their burrows with female cooperation from the inside. Females did not court or copulate with males belonging to the other morph and, in two cases, major-morph females cannibalised minor-morph males. Morphometrical and developmental data showed differences between morphs. The occurrence of copulation only between individuals of the same morph confirm reproductive isolation, supporting the occurrence of two species. Morphological and behavioural data are consistent with courtship-role-reversal hypotheses for the minor morph, constituting the second report in spiders of this atypical behaviour.


Ecosystems ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 302-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sébastien Gogo ◽  
André-Jean Francez ◽  
Fatima Laggoun-Défarge ◽  
Nicolas Gouélibo ◽  
Frédéric Delarue ◽  
...  

1981 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 305-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. WARD ◽  
W. F. HUMPHREYS

Locomotion in the vagrant wolf spider Trochosa ruricola is compared to that in the burrow dwelling wolf spider Lycosa tarentula (Araneae: Lycosidae). L. tarentula takes relatively shorter steps than T. ruricola. At high speeds T. ruricola approximates an alternating tetrapod gait but this does not occur in L. tarentula. Phase lag differs between species and varies marginally with speed except for ipsilateral phase lags in L. tarentula which are erratic if they include leg 1. In both species the protraction/retraction ratio is directly related to both running speed and stepping frequency, but the relationship is more marked in L. tarentula. The protraction/retraction ratio is more variable in leg 1 and varies between legs along the body but by a greater amount in L. tarentula. In these spiders, in contrast to the situation in many insects, both the duration of protraction and retraction show marked inverse relationships to stepping frequency. The power stroke (retraction) occupies a variable proportion of the stepping cycle, which is not the case in other spiders, and this proportion is lower than for other spiders. It is suggested that the first pair of legs is used more for sensory than for locomotory purpose and that this is more marked in the burrow dwelling species, L. tarentula.


2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (8) ◽  
pp. 561-567
Author(s):  
Kathryn S. Craven ◽  
Alex Collier ◽  
Jay Y. S. Hodgson

Field investigations represent an excellent opportunity to integrate the Next Generation Science Standards to complement and enhance both classroom and laboratory instruction. This inquiry-based exercise is designed to introduce students to the basic anatomy, ecology, and natural history of a common backyard denizen, the wolf spider (Lycosidae). Students are charged with developing one or more testable hypotheses regarding wolf spiders in their own backyards. Wolf spiders are an ideal subject for field investigation because their secondary eyes possess a highly reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum. At night, this layer produces an unmistakable “eyeshine” when viewed with the beam of a flashlight. Playing the role of students, we tested the hypothesis that wolf spiders should occur at higher density in an undeveloped field than in a typical backyard. To test this, we utilized random quadrat sampling in both habitats using flashlights to detect nocturnal eyeshine. Students obtaining similar results would likely have concluded that wolf spiders were more abundant in natural habitats.


Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 501
Author(s):  
Dominique Koua ◽  
Rosanna Mary ◽  
Anicet Ebou ◽  
Celia Barrachina ◽  
Khadija El Koulali ◽  
...  

Spider venoms represent an original source of novel compounds with therapeutic and agrochemical potential. Whereas most of the research efforts have focused on large mygalomorph spiders, araneomorph spiders are equally promising but require more sensitive and sophisticated approaches given their limited size and reduced venom yield. Belonging to the latter group, the genus Lycosa (“wolf spiders”) contains many species widely distributed throughout the world. These spiders are ambush predators that do not build webs but instead rely strongly on their venom for prey capture. Lycosa tarantula is one of the largest species of wolf spider, but its venom composition is unknown. Using a combination of RNA sequencing of the venom glands and venom proteomics, we provide the first overview of the peptides and proteins produced by this iconic Mediterranean spider. Beside the typical small disulfide rich neurotoxins, several families of proteins were also identified, including cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP) and Hyaluronidases. Proteomic analysis of the electrically stimulated venom validated 30 of these transcriptomic sequences, including nine putative neurotoxins and eight venom proteins. Interestingly, LC-MS venom profiles of manual versus electric stimulation, as well as female versus male, showed some marked differences in mass distribution. Finally, we also present some preliminary data on the biological activity of L. tarantula crude venom.


Author(s):  
A.C. Smaal ◽  
A.P.M.A. Vonck ◽  
M. Bakker

Seasonal variation of clearance, absorption and respiration rates of mussels Mytilus edulis (Mollusca: Bivalvia) and cockles Cerastoderma edule (Mollusca: Bivalvia) of various size classes have been measured under ambient temperature and sea-water conditions. Food availability was kept almost constant during the measurements.Allometric body weight coefficients were bcl=0.5 for clearance and about br=0.7 for respiration rate of both species. Stepwise multiple regression suggested no relation for clearance rate of mussels with temperature and reproductive condition throughout the year. Respiration rates of mussels were highest during the reproductive period. Excretion rate was measured for mussels only and showed an allometric coefficient of bex=0.7 and an increase with temperature in spring. For cockles a significant relation of clearance rate, body weight and temperature was observed; at low temperature, clearance rates of small animals were more reduced than for larger animals. Respiration rates of cockles showed a significant relationship with temperature and reproductive condition.


1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 322-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyle A. Renecker ◽  
Robert J. Hudson

Metabolic rates and thermoregulatory responses were studied in adult moose (Alces alces) exposed to various ambient temperatures during winter and summer. Resting energy expenditures followed a marked annual cycle with a maximum (940 kJ kg body weight−0.75 d−1) during spring – early summer and minimum (430 kJ kg body weight−0.75 d−1) during winter. The heat increment of feeding associated with a pelleted ration was 6–9 kJ kg body weight−0.75 h−1. The energy cost of standing was 4.2 kJ kg body weight−0.75 h−1, an increment of 25% over the lying posture. Although piloerection was observed between −25 and −30 °C, metabolic rates did not increase. In contrast to their cold tolerance, moose were easily heat stressed. During winter, moose increased respiration rates when ambient temperatures rose above −5 °C. Resistance to heat load was greater for standing moose during summer; respiration rate increased above 14 °C and open-mouthed panting began at 20 °C. Energy expenditure and heart rate followed a similar rise with increasing ambient temperature.


1960 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 645 ◽  
Author(s):  
HG Turner ◽  
AV Schleger

A system of subjective scoring of cattle coats, ranging from very sleek to very woolly, is described. It has been applied to about 1600 animals, of which 500 were Hereford and Shorthorn cows and the rest their progeny from matings in four years to British breed and Zebu bulls. Consistency of scoring within and between observers is satisfactory. Highly significant differences between animals of the same breed persist through different seasons. The repeatability of coat score is 0.6 or more over intervals of up to 17 months. Effects of season, age, and sex are described. Heritability of coat score is estimated at 0.63. Coat scores are well correlated with body temperatures and respiration rates. Coat score and post-weaning growth rate of British breed calves are correlated to such a degree that coat score can be superior to a record of body weight as an estimate of growth capacity. The genetic correlation between coat score and growth rate is high in the British breeds. Evidence of the relation between coat score and growth rate in Zebu cross calves is inconclusive. The observed relationships are discussed with particular reference to their physiological causes. The results indicate the potential value of coat characters in selecting tropical beef cattle. The degree to which these results may be applicable to other populations in other environments is discussed. It is concluded that a sleek coat is important in favouring heat dissipation, but it may have even greater significance as an indicator of metabolic efficiency or of capacity to react favourably to stress.


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