Aerial dispersal in relation to habitat in eight wolf spider species (Pardosa, Araneae, Lycosidae).

In the eight Pardosa species studied, aerial dispersal occurs generally in the young instars. The climatic conditions, particularly wind but also temperature and humidity, affect the occurrence of aerial dispersal. Within the different systematic groups in the genus, species with relatively high and relatively low dispersal capacities occur. These differences in dispersal capacity are discussed in relation with the abundance and stability of the habitat, in which the species are found.