. The Canadian field-naturalist. The Canadian Field-Naturalist [Vol. LIII OBSERVATIONS ON THE BURROWING WOLF SPIDER Lycosa missouriensis Bks. By T. B. KURATA TjHE FAMILY of wolf spiders (Lycosidae) I contains a number of burrowing species of which Lycosa missouriensis is rather common in suitable situations in south- ern Ontario. In mid-October of 1930 my young son discov- ered the turrets of Lycosa missouriensis in High Park, Toronto. We found that the whole sunny west slope was occupied by this kind of -9- mm 3 3 *^ ^ We then started to trace out the burrows. Since we soon found tha
. The Canadian field-naturalist. The Canadian Field-Naturalist [Vol. LIII OBSERVATIONS ON THE BURROWING WOLF SPIDER Lycosa missouriensis Bks. By T. B. KURATA TjHE FAMILY of wolf spiders (Lycosidae) I contains a number of burrowing species of which Lycosa missouriensis is rather common in suitable situations in south- ern Ontario. In mid-October of 1930 my young son discov- ered the turrets of Lycosa missouriensis in High Park, Toronto. We found that the whole sunny west slope was occupied by this kind of -9- mm 3 3 *^ ^ We then started to trace out the burrows. Since we soon found that the shaft was not vertical throughout its entire course, we inserted a large blade of grass, and with this guide we dug out a complete burrow easily. The Burrow The dimensions of the tunnel varied somewhat according to the size and age of the spider. How- ever, the figures which follow are averages of 10 measurements: first there is a turret 5 mm. high and 9 mm. bore. This leads into a vertical shaft 66 mm. deep Next the burrow deflects for 59 mm. through about 30° and its diameter increases to 12 mm. Thereupon it deflects back through about 30°, vertical. This last vertical shaft has the small bore (9 mm.) and is 250 mm. deep. The entire burrow is lined with silk. This serves two functions— a cement for the walls of the tunnel and a ladder for the inhabitant The turret consists of a few blades of grass or small sticks or other debris cemented together. The turret is a lookout point for the spider when she is awaiting her prey. It also prevents some surface water from draining into her home. The enlarged part of her burrow is her living room. Here she must come to turn around since the small-bore tunnels fit her snugly and prevent any twisting. In digging, the spider employs her fangs as the tool. She transports the loose sand in an ingenious fashion. She spins some viscid silk web. The sand grains adhere to this web. When some has accumulated, she seizes her lo
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