Pardosa Lugubris Research Articles

Apoptosis and biochemical biomarkers of stress in spiders from industrially polluted areas exposed to high temperature and dimethoate

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relations between apoptosis and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase; catalase) and quantitative changes in stress protein positive cells (Hsp70; metallothionein) in midgut glands of funnel web spiders Agelena labyrinthica (Agelenidae) and wolf spiders Pardosa lugubris (Lycosidae) exposed to high temperature and pesticide under laboratory conditions. The spiders were collected from two meadow ecosystems differently polluted with metals (Olkusz and Pilica, southern Poland). Under stress conditions, P. lugubris had fewer apoptotic cells in the midgut glands than A. labyrinthica. In P. lugubris from both sites, the observed increase in the percentage of metallothionein and Hsp70-positive cells, simultaneous with intensification of superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, suggests an anti-apoptotic function of those proteins in representatives of wandering spiders. In the midgut glands of A. labyrinthica, heat shock and dimethoate increased the number of Annexin V-positive cells as well as the amounts of mitochondria with low transmembrane potential (Δ Ψ m) versus the control. The changes in the percentage of MT- and Hsp70-positive cells in funnel web spiders were less than in wolf spiders. The absence of change in SOD and CAT activity in A. labyrinthica shows that the participation of those enzymes in antioxidant reactions is minimal in this species.

Spiders on a treadmill: influence of running activity on metabolic rates inPardosa lugubris(Araneae, Lycosidae) andMarpissa muscosa(Araneae, Salticidae)

The CO2 release of the well-tracheated jumping spider, Marpissa muscosa, and the poorly tracheated, Pardosa lugubris, was tested while animals were running on a treadmill at three different speeds and under a selective elimination of lungs or tracheae. Thus, the influence of a well-developed tracheal system on the metabolism during physical exercise was examined. The CO2 release in intact animals increased with the running speed in both species. The costs of transport (COT) running at the maximal sustainable speed were nearly twice as big in M. muscosa as in P. lugubris. Elimination of one lung by sealing resulted in reduced COT and running times, and increasing anaerobic proportions in metabolism. Effects were greater in P. lugubris than in M. muscosa, indicating that tracheae compensate partly for the lacking lung capacity. Sealing of the tracheae in M. muscosa reduced the COT and the running times only at the highest speed. Results indicate that tracheae in M. muscosa support the aerobic metabolism only at the most intense physical exercise. At low and medium activity, tracheae may play their main role in the local supply of organs that are not involved in running activity.

Metabolic rates during rest and activity in differently tracheated spiders (Arachnida, Araneae): Pardosa lugubris (Lycosidae) and Marpissa muscosa (Salticidae).

With flow-through respirometry under video tracking, the CO(2) release of adult male and female Pardosa lugubris (wolf spider) and Marpissa muscosa (jumping spider) was measured during rest and activity. Activity metabolism was measured in phases in which the animals were spontaneously active and during forced exercise. Standard metabolic rates (V(CO2)/ t) were 1.43 nmol s(-1) g(-1) in M. muscosa and 1.7-1.8 nmol s(-1) g(-1) in P. lugubris. Egg production caused higher resting rates in females compared with the males in P. lugubris. Maximum mass-specific CO(2) release, the additional amount of CO(2 )released after activity and the factorial aerobic scope were higher in M. muscosa. Additionally, half-time recovery and the lag between end of activity and maximum CO(2) release were lower in the jumping spider. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the well-developed tracheal system in jumping spiders increases the efficiency of the respiratory system in comparison with wolf spiders, which possess similarly developed lungs but only a simple tracheal system that is restricted to the opisthosoma.

Relations between metals (Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu) and glutathione-dependent detoxifying enzymes in spiders from a heavy metal pollution gradient

We studied the relations between glutathione-dependent detoxifying enzymes and heavy metal burdens in the web-building spider Agelena labyrinthica (Agelenidae) and the wolf spider Pardosa lugubris (Lycosidae) from five meadow sites along a heavy metal pollution gradient. We assayed the activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidases (GPOX, GSTPx), and glutathione (GSH) levels in both sexes. Except for GSH vs Pb content, we found significant correlations between GPOX and GSTPx activity and metal concentrations in females of A. labyrinthica. The highest activity of these enzymes measured in the web-building spiders was found in the individuals from the most polluted sites. In P. lugubris males significant correlations were found between GST and Pb and Zn concentrations, and between GPOX and GSTPx and the concentration of Cu. GST activity was higher in males collected from less polluted areas. Thus, detoxifying strategies against pollutants seemed to be sex-dependent. Actively hunting spiders had higher metal concentrations, maintaining lower activity of detoxifying enzymes and a lower glutathione level.

Respiratory organs in wolf spiders: morphometric analysis of lungs and tracheae in Pardosa lugubris (L.) (Arachnida, Araneae, Lycosidae)

The respiratory system of the wolf spider Pardosa lugubris consists of a pair of well-developed lungs and four unbranched tube tracheae. We used stereological morphometric methods to investigate the morphological diffusing capacity of the lungs and of the walls of the tracheae (‘lateral diffusing capacity’). We examined three groups of female P. lugubris with different mean body masses. The barrier thickness of the gas-exchange epithelium of the lungs was 0.17 μm for the total diffusion barrier and the calculated oxygen diffusing capacity ( D O2) for the lungs was between 12.9 and 13.4 μl min −1 g −1 kPa −1. Measured metabolic rates compared with the D O2 of the lungs result in necessary oxygen partial pressure differences of 0.2 kPa during rest and 2.1 kPa during maximum measured activity. The diffusion barrier of the entire tracheal walls was 0.31–0.50 μm and the calculated lateral D O2 was 0.05–0.2 μl min −1 g −1 kPa −1. Therefore, tracheae are of no importance for the overall oxygen exchange. However, they might be of some importance in local oxygen supply or in overall carbon dioxide release. The comparison with the respiratory system of the jumping spider Salticus scenicus reveals that the lungs have very similar mass-specific D O2 in both species, and that, in addition, jumping spiders possess a much better developed tracheal system.

Wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae) on the overgrowing peat bog in Dubravica (north-western Croatia)

Wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae) on the overgrowing peat bog in Dubravica (north-western Croatia). The peat bog in Dubravica is of spread interest due to its overgrowing by the process of natural succession, causing the habitat to become dryer and shadier. The dominance structure and phenology of wolf spiders on the Dubravica bog was studied. The spiders were collected during the period 09.04.-9.10.1995, using 20 pitfall traps. Altogether 10 lycosid species were found among 723 adult individuals. For six more abundant species phenology graphs are presented. Three species are found to be eudominant: Pardosa lugubris, Trochosa spinipalpis and Hygrolycosa rubrofasciata. The lycosids habitat preferences and dominance structure according the habitat condition and species occurrences on some other European bogs are discussed. 55,2 % caught specimens are hygrophilous species, and only 7,6 % are photophilous. The lycosid fauna and dominance structure does reflect the habitat condition. As overgrowing is not fully progressed yet, the lycosid fauna of this bog is still relatively bog-characteristic.

Effects of prey type and mixed diets on survival, growth and development of a generalist predator, Pardosa lugubris (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Spiders are generalist predators with a wide food spectrum which is considered to predominantly consist of qualitatively equivalent prey. To prove this assumption, laboratory feeding experiments were conducted with the lycosid spider Pardosa lugubris (Walckenaer) (Araneae: Lycosidae). Survival, growth and development of juveniles reared on single and mixed diets differed strongly. Spiderlings feeding on single prey species of the Collembola Folsomia candida, the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi and conspecifics did not develop or grow. Spiderlings feeding on the Collembola Heteromurus nitidus or the Diptera Drosophila melanogaster lived considerably longer and grew bigger. Feeding on F. candida resulted in survival rates equal to those of spiderlings with food deprivation. Of the single prey species diets, H. nitidus resulted in maximum rates of survival, growth and development. D. melanogaster ranked second which was due to high mortality during or after molting to the fourth instar. Compared to single prey species diets, a mixed diet consisting of H. nitidus and D. melanogaster increased survival, growth and development of spiderlings. Adding F. candida to the mixed diet consisting of H. nitidus and D. melanogaster resulted in a dramatic decrease in overall food quality. Survival, growth and development of spiderlings decreased strongly. The results document that the nutritional quality for generalist predators differs significantly between prey species. Mixed diets may be beneficial but also detrimental. P. lugubris appears to be unable to recognize and refuse detrimental prey species in mixed diets. The presence of toxic or low quality prey species may therefore counteract the benefits of mixed diets for generalist predators. Spinnen sind polyphage Prädatoren. Meist wird angenommen, dass ihr breites Nahrungsspektrum vorwiegend aus qualitativ äquivalenten Beutetypen besteht. Um diese Annahme zu überprüfen, wurden im Labor Fütterungsexperimente mit der Wolfspinne Pardosa lugubris (Walckenaer) (Araneae: Lycosidae) durchgeführt. Die Überlebens-, Wachstums- und Entwicklungsraten von Jungspinnen hingen stark von der Beuteart und, beim Angebot von mehreren Beutearten, auch von dem Beutespektrum ab. Bei Fraß des Collembolen Folsomia candida, der Blattlaus Rhopalosiphum padi oder von Artgenossen wuchsen und entwickelten sich die Jungspinnen nicht. Fraß des Collembolen Heteromurus nitidus oder der Diptere Drosophila melanogaster führte dagegen zu hohen Überlebens- und Wachstumsraten. Wurde nur F. candida als Nahrung angeboten, überlebten die Jungspinnen nicht länger als bei Nahrungsentzug. Die qualitativ beste Einzelbeuteart war der Collembole H. nitidus; die Jungspinnen dieser Behandlung erreichten die höchsten Überlebens-, Wachstums- und Entwicklungsraten. hnlich gut entwickelten sich mit D. melanogaster gefütterte Jungspinnen, allerdings sank die Überlebensrate mit dem Erreichen des vierten Jugendstadiums deutlich ab. Im Vergleich zu allen anderen angebotenen Beutetypen führte die gleichzeitige Verfütterung von H. nitidus und D. melanogaster zu der höchsten Überlebens-, Wachstums- und Entwicklungsrate der Jungspinnen. Wurde allerdings zusätzlich F. candida zu H. nitidus und D. melanogaster angeboten, sank die Überlebens-, Wachstums- und Entwicklungsrate der Jungspinnen auf ein sehr niedriges Niveau. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass gemischte Kost vorteilhaft, aber auch nachteilig für generalistische Prädatoren sein kann. P. lugubris ist offensichtlich nicht in der Lage, qualitativ schlechte Beute in einer gemischten Kost zu erkennen und abzulehnen. Die Anwesenheit toxischer Beute oder Beute geringer Qualität kann den Vorteilen generalistischer Ernährung offensichtlich entgegenwirken.

Energy Lost to the Exuviae during Molting of Lycosa watsoni Gertsch (Araneae: Lycosidae)

The loss of carbon compounds during molting for Lycosa watsoni was determined as percentage of total weight and total calories lost. The mass of exuviae from 20 spiders, from 1.3 to 4.7 mm carapace width ranged from 0.18 to 5.40 mg dry weight and from 4.4 to 10.6% of the total weight of spiders. The mass of exuviae as a % of body weight increased in the amount of material lost during successive molts and was linearly related to carapace width (y = 3.17 + 1.3x) and body weight (y = 5.51 + 0.06x). The caloric content of exuviae was 8.7 @+ 1.86 cal./mg dry weight and could amount to between 1.57 and 46.98 cal per molt over the range of spider sizes studied. Similar trends were observed from comparable data reported for the lycosid spider, Pardosa lugubris.

Aspects of the overwintering habitat of the Wolf spider Pardosa lugubris

Pardosa lugubris occurs in the vicinity of woodlands and overwinters among leaf litter. Field recordings of litter temperatures in winter indicate that temperatures within the litter fluctuate much less than those on the surface and that the lower the air temperature the greater the difference between the temperature of the surface litter and that of the deep litter. Specimens of P. lugubris, in a litter hill constructed in the laboratory, moved into the deeper layers of the litter as the temperature was lowered below freezing. It is suggested that the use P. lugubris makes of leaf litter as an overwintering habitat may account for its close association with woodland and its occurrence in more northerly latitudes compared with other members of the genus.

The life‐cycle of the Wolf spider Pardosa lugubris in Holland

Pardosa lugubris in Scotland has a 2‐year life‐cycle. In Holland the situation is less clear‐cut: spiderlings emerging from the summer egg sac can reach sexual maturity by the following spring. These spiders, with a 1‐year life‐cycle, have one instar fewer than the Scottish spiders. The Dutch spiderlings from the autumn egg sac, like the Scottish spiders, have a 2‐year life‐cycle and have the same number of instars as the Scottish spiders.The shorter life‐cycle of some of the Dutch spiders is probably due to the fact that summer temperatures are higher in Holland than in Scotland. It is suggested that the length of the life‐cycle may be an important factor in spider distribution and that this may account for the relative scarcity of large spider species in high latitudes.

Seasonal Weight Changes, Age Structure, Natality and Mortality in the Wolf Spider Pardosa lugubris Walck in Central Scotland

O berco e o mobiliario infantil mais citado em acidentes infantis. Apesar da existencia de varios modelos, muitos deles nao sao adequados aos seus usuarios, alem de serem considerados inseguros. O objetivo deste estudo foi estruturar o prototipo do ERGOBERCO ® , considerando-se normas tecnicas e avaliacao in loco do prototipo por meio de entrevista estruturada respondida pelos participantes da pesquisa. O prototipo foi avaliado como mais seguro, resistente e confortavel que os bercos usados pelas maes e usuarias participantes do estudo. Os aspectos com maior indice de aceitacao foram a grade movel e o estrado compacto, definidos pelas usuarias como facilitadores do uso e atributo de seguranca do prototipo. Mesmo este tendo sido bem avaliado e aceito pelas usuarias, sera necessario reestrutura-lo para que possa se adequar ainda mais as necessidades das usuarias, sendo, alem de seguro e confortavel, com padrao estetico compativel com a expectativa dessas consumidoras. Palavras-chave: Ergonomia de produto. Mobiliario Infantil; Bercos, seguranca e conforto. ABSTRACT The cradle is the infantile furniture more mentioned in infantile accidents. In spite of the existence of several models, many of them are not appropriate to their users and considered insecure. The objective of this study was to structure the prototype of ERGOBERCO ® , considering technical norms and evaluation in loco of the prototype through structured interview answered by the participants of the research. The prototype was evaluated as safer, resistant and comfortable than the cradles used by the mothers and participant users of the study. The aspects with larger acceptance index were the movable grating and the compact base, defined for the users as facilitators of the use and attribute of safety of the prototype. Even the prototype having been very appraised and accept for the users, it will be necessary to restructure him/it so that the same can still be adapted more the users' needs, being, besides insurance and comfortable, with compatible aesthetic pattern with the expectation of these. Keywords: Product ergonomics. Children's Furniture. Cribs, security and comfort.

Aspects of the ecology and energetics of the egg sac parasites of the wolf spider Pardosa lugubris (Walckenaer).

The egg sacs of the wolf spider Pardosa lugubris are parasitised by two ichneumonid wasps, namely Gelis micrurus and Hidryta sordidus. The parasites are bivoltine, the first generation parasitising the summer egg sac of P. lugubris and the second generation parasitising, and overwintering in, the autumn egg sac. Parasitised egg sacs have a characteristic appearance.The degree of egg sac parasitism was 9.8% and 6.9% for the two egg sac batches in 1965 and 2.9% and 34.8% for those of 1966. The degree of parasitism varies from area to area as does the percentage parasitism attributable to the two species.The gross growth efficiency for Hidryta from the first egg sac is 31.2% and from the second 16.2%. 3.0% in 1965 and 4.3% in 1966, of the annual yield from P. lugubris to predators and parasites, goes to the egg sac parasites. This represents reductions in recruitment of 9.1% in 1965 and 10.9% in 1966.

Aspects of the ecological energetics of the wolf spider Pardosa (Lycosa) lugubris (Walckenaer)

Feeding experiments were carried out on various stages of the wolf spider Pardosa lugubris in order to construct an energy budget for the spider. Under the rearing conditions the spiders developed at a similar rate to those in the field. P. lugubris females ingest 308 cal during their life. 73.0% of this energy, goes into respiration and 25.7% into production. Males ingest 98 cal of which 81.3% goes into respiration and 16.1% into production. P. lugubris ingests a large proportion of the food it kills and it resembles other arthropod carnivores in having high growth efficiencies.The annual rate of energy flow through a wolf spider population was calculated. 1.39 Kcal/m2/year are "killed" of which 81.2% is ingested. Of this ingested energy 71.1% goes into respiration and 26.4% into production.The difficulties involved in the assessment of the results of single-species energetics studies are discussed.The annual population energy budget of P. lugubris is compared with that of Pyrrhosoma nymphula, an aquatic arthropod carnivore with a similar lifecycle to P. lugubris. Although the magnitudes of the various components of the energy budget are larger in P. nymphula, there are similarities between the two species. Thus, the amount of energy "killed" per unit of predator biomass is similar and a similar proportion of this energy is returned to the ecosystem, although proportionally more goes into decomposers in P. lugubris.