Risk analysis of heavy metal contaminated habitats using a wolf spider, Pardosa astrigera (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Using biological indicators to evaluate the healthiness of ecological habitats is increasingly important. Spiders are considered very useful candidates for this purpose, but few studies have been conducted. This study was conducted to investigate a relationship between heavy metal (cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)) contamination levels in soil habitats and their accumulations in a wolf spider, Pardosa astrigera, and to develop a bio-evaluation system for soil risk assessment of Cd and Pb using P. astrigera.