Effects of Locomotory Activity, Temperature and Hunger on the Respiratory Rate of Lycosa T-Insignita Boes. Et str. (Araneae : Lycosidae)

Abstract

The effects of locomotory activity, temperature and hunger on the respiratory rate of a spider, Lycosa T-insignita, were studied. The relationship between the carbon dioxide output and the body weight of the nymphs was linear when plotted on log-log co-ordinates. The slope of the line approximated 1. During periods of inactivity, the relationship between carbon dioxide output of final instar females and temperature can be expressed by the equation R=RoQt or log R=log Ro+(log Q)t. THe respiratory energy loss measured as carbon dioxide output per mg fresh weight per hour was determined at different temperatures for both active and resting final instar females. The calorific equivalents of respiratory energy loss during activity were shown to be 3-6 times higher than during rest. The carbon dioxide output per mg fresh weight decreased slightly with the spider's development from the early stage of the final instar to the adult stage, but showed fluctuations which accorded with changes in feeding activity. In fasting final instar nymphs the carbon dioxide output decreased sharply during the first 5 days, but thereafter the decrease was not marked. The decreased respiratory rate recovered up to the 70-80 per cent level when food was provided for 3 days. © 1969, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reserved.