Observations on the wolf spider Schizocosa mccooki in northern California grasslands reveal previously unreported burrowing behavior, known to occur in only one other member of the genus. Adult and penultimate female S. mccooki may occupy burrows that vary widely in depth and the occurrence of silk linings. Mark-resight techniques revealed burrow fidelity spanning several weeks for individual spiders. Behaviors such as courtship and prey consumption can occur at, but are not restricted to, the entrances to these burrows. Burrows appear to offer daytime shelter for S. mccooki, though it remains unclear whether protection from predators or amelioration of abiotic conditions is the primary basis for burrow use.
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1 December 2003
BURROW USE IN A NORTHERN CALIFORNIA POPULATION OF THE WOLF SPIDER SCHIZOCOSA MCCOOKI (ARANEAE, LYCOSIDAE)
K. Blake Suttle
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