Effects of the metals lead and zinc on the growth, development, and reproduction of Pardosa astrigera (Araneae: Lycosidae).

Metal pollution is a serious environmental problem worldwide, and severely threatens biological diversity and human health. In order to investigate the effects of metals on a potential indicator species of wolf spider, Pardosa astrigera (Araneae: Lycosidae), 3rd-instar spiderlings were exposed to metals by using sublethal concentrations of PbCl₂ and ZnCl₂ solutions as their drinking water. The total durations of development of P. astrigera from the 3rd to 6th instars were significantly longer than that of the control group, and females showed a sharp reduction in total egg number. Body weights were significantly decreased in the mature spiders exposed to PbCl₂ solutions and ZnCl₂ solutions of high concentration (100 mM). These results suggest that detoxifying strategies deployed by P. astrigera against metal intoxication incur the costs of delayed development, and reduced growth and reproduction.