Ionic concentrations, osmolarity and pH of the haemolymph of the common housespider Tegenaria atrica C.L. Koch (Agelenidae, Arachnida)

Abstract

1. 1. In the haemolymph of adult female of Tegenaria atrica the concentrations of Na +, K +, Mg ++, Ca ++ and Cl − ions as well as osmolarity and pH-values were measured. 2. 2. On the basis of these findings the following Ringer solution for T. atrica was developed: 10.25 g/l NaCl, 0.40 g/l NaHCO 3, 0.83 g/l KC1,0.16 g/l MgCl 2:6H 2O,0.62 g/l CaCl 2:2H 2O and 13.3 g/l saccharose, if necessary. The pH is adjusted at 8.2. 3. 3. In the Ringer solution the semi-isolated heart of T. atrica, T. ferruginea and T. derhami beats for up to 169 hr at +8°C. 4. 4. The results of this investigation are discussed and compared with earlier data.