This study is an assessment of the thermal biology of the wolf spider, Tigrosa helluo in order to gain a better understanding of its behavior and physiology. In order to determine the preferred temperature of adults and immatures, we introduced individuals into an arena with an established temperature gradient. Each individual was introduced to three different temperature zones (4℃, 25℃, and 80℃) three times, and we documented their reaction time and monitored them as they settled in an area (the preferred temperature). We also determined the critical minimum (CTmin) or maximum (CTmax) temperature that T. helluo adults and juveniles could withstand before complications. We found that reaction time differed by age and the initial temperature zone into which they were introduced. Spiders introduced into the hot temperature zones exhibited the fastest reaction times in both age groups and they moved slower in cold zones. We found the average preferred temperature was 17.8℃, but it was highly variable. The initial temperature had no effect on the spider’s preferred temperature, but age did. Adults were more flexible with their temperature tolerance range than juveniles in that they could, on average, tolerate higher (i.e., CTmax) and lower (i.e., CTmin ) temperatures more effectively. This information is essential as thermal biology has a bearing on where a given species lives, and as climate progresses, we will see species change where they live. For instance, we might expect this species to expand its range as climate change advances. This research is vital to my future intended career, as my degree is in applied biology. I intend to continue my education after graduation and become a biological researcher and professor at a University.
Author(s): Matthew B. Sperry, Hailey Shannon, and Ann L. Rypstra, PhD
Advisor(s): Hailey Shannon, and Ann L. Rypstra, Department of Biology
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