Subsocial organization and behavior in broods of the obligate burrowing wolf spider Geolycosa turricola (Treat)

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Abstract
Prolonged mutual tolerance is described for spiderlings in broods of the burrowing wolf spider Geolycosa turricola (Treat) (Lycosidae). The length of the tolerant phase is compared with that of the facultative burrower Lycosa georgicola Walckenaer. Specific behaviors are described from observations of pairs of spiderlings. The frequency of occurrence of these behaviors was studied in a series of bioassay experiments designed to test questions concerning the nature of the mechanism of communication among spiderlings, the length of the tolerance phase, and the ability to recognize siblings from nonsiblings. The results indicate that chemical communication is the principal form of communication between spiderlings. Aggressive behavior increased in pairs of spiderlings of increasing disparity of size. Geolycosa turricola spiderlings showed little kin recognition ability. The advantage of prolonged tolerance within the burrowing life strategy is discussed.