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

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...