Interactions between the pompilid wasp Anoplius relativus (Fox) and the burrowing wolf spider Geolycosa domifex (Hancock)

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Abstract
The interactions between populations of Geolycosa domifex (Hancock) and Anoplius relativus (Fox) were studied in southern Ontario from 1974 through 1977. The spiders required 3 years before reaching maturity and the wasp population preyed upon 2- and 3-year olds. In each year the wasps emerged near the end of June and disappeared at the end of July. During this time the wasps were able to paralyze more than 99% of the adult female spiders, but not until their eggs had hatched. Juvenile spiders minimized the effect of wasp predation by closing their burrows during the time when the wasps were present. High-speed 16-mm films (300 frames per second) were used to analyze wasp attack behaviour and spider defence. Normal-speed (18 frames per second) 8-mm film was used to analyze wasp nest-building behaviour. It is hypothesized that G. domifex and A. relativus have coevolved tactics which allow A. relativus to reproduce each year without destroying the G. domifex population.

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