The super-cooling point (SCP) of Pardosa groenlandica was found to be −10.54° C, which is lower than for species from warmer climates, in agreement with predictions. There was no significant difference found between sexes. There were also no significant differences between the seasons, although there was a slight trend towards lower SCP temperatures in the winter months. Dehydration lowered SCP in P. groenlandica, with a mean depression of over 3° C in desiccated individuals. Specimens of P. groenlandica were able to move at temperatures as low as −2.3° C. These data allow for comparisons with samples from other climatic regions, and reinforce predictions based on previous studies with a variety of arthropods, regarding the effects of hunger and desiccation on the SCP.
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Arachnida
cold tolerance
Lycosidae
sub-arctic
super-cooling
