Burrows of the wolf spider Geolycosa vultuosa (C. L. Koch, 1838) (Araneae: Lycosidae) in Albania, with general remarks on burrowing by wolf spiders

Abstract

Geolycosa vultuosa (C. L. Koch, 1838) (Lycosidae) is a large, deeply burrowing spider, occurring from south-eastern Europe to Central Asia. This species is found in a mountain pasture on Dajti Mountain in the Tirana district. The structure of the burrow and burrowing ecology of G. vultuosa are discussed in comparison to those seen in other species of wolf spiders. Four burrows of Geolycosa vultuosa inhabited by subadult and adult females were observed in soil vegetated with low grass and a few other low plants at the end of September 2014. These burrows were cast with cement and excavated. The burrows consisted of vertical to subvertical, slightly curved, or nearly straight shafts. Compared to other burrows of wolf spiders, three burrows of G. vultuosa did not show any basal chamber, but a gradual widening from the middle to the base. One burrow showed a basal chamber with a basal protrusion thinner than the shaft. Burrow surfaces and entrances were unornamented.