Abstract. The aim of this study was to characterize karyotypes of central European spiders of the genera Arctosa, Tricca, and Xerolycosa (Lycosidae) with respect to the diploid chromosome number, chromosome morphology, and sex chromosomes. Karyotype data are reported for eleven species, six of them for the first time. For selected species the pattern in the distributions of the constitutive heterochromatin and the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) was determined. The silver staining technique for detecting NORs of lycosid spiders was standardized. The male karyotype consisted of 2n = 28 (Arctosa and Tricca) or 2n = 22 (Xerolycosa) acrocentric chromosomes. The sex chromosome system was X1X20 in all species. The sex chromosomes of T. lutetiana and X. nemoralis showed unusual behaviour during late diplotene, namely temporary extension due to decondensation. C-banding technique revealed a small amount of constitutive heterochromatin at the centromeric region of the chromosomes. Two pairs of autosomes bore terminal NORs. Differences in karyotypes among Arctosa species indicate that the evolution of the karyotype in this genus involved autosome translocations and size changes in the sex chromosomes. Based on published results and those recorded in this study it is suggested that the ancestral male karyotype of the superfamily Lycosoidea consisted of 28 acrocentric chromosomes.

Spiders are characterized by their spinning activity. Much of the current knowledge of the spinning apparatus comes from studies on orb web spiders and their relatives, whereas wolf spiders have been more or less neglected in this respect. Therefore, we studied developmental changes in the spinning apparatus of four wolf spiders (Tricca lutetiana, Arctosa alpigena lamperti, Pardosa amentata, and Xerolycosa nemoralis) throughout their life cycles. Each of these lycosids has a stenochronous life cycle, but of varied length (from 1 to 3 years) and number of instars (from seven to ten). Use of the spinning apparatus begins in the first instar, after leaving the egg sac. Secondary ampullate, all piriform, and all but four aciniform glands are tartipore-accommodated. The tartipores, collared openings through which silk gland ducts pass during proecdysis, appear on the spinning field starting with the second instar. Tartipore-accommodated glands can function during proecdysis and their evolution corresponds with the way spiders secure themselves when molting. We suggest that the function of aciniform silk in juvenile wolf spiders is to serve as an ancillary "scaffold" supporting the spider's body during ecdysis. Invertebrate Biology 133(3): 281-297.

Arctosa lutetianu (syn. Tricca hitetiana) (Simon 1876) (Lycosidae) is found in many European countries; however, the biology of the species is still unknown because it lives hidden under ground and is difficult to find. The objective of this study was to fill in basic information about the biology of this species. The specimens were obtained between 2005-2006. This species lives in primitive underground burrows that are not lined with silk. Herein we describe, for the first time, the burrows and the prey capture method of this species.Abstrakt. Arctosa liitetkma (syn. Tricca hitetiami) (Simon, 1876), slidak lesostepni (Lycosidae) je druh zijici v mnoha evropskych zemich, nicmene jeho biologie je dosud neznama. Zije totiz skrytym zpusobem zivota pod zemi a je velice obtizne ho v pfirode nalezt. Cilem teto prace je doplnit zakladni data o biologii tohoto druhu. Jedinci byli ziskavani pfevazne rucnim sberem v letech 2005-2006. Diky vhodne zvolene metode chovu byly u tohoto druhu poprve popsany jeho podzemni komurky nevystlane pavucinou a zpusob lovu kofisti.

Tricca lutetiana (Simon 1876) (Lycosidae) lives hidden underground and, thus, is not well known. Our objective was to document more fully basic information on reproduction, particularly copulation, in this species. We obtained and observed in the laboratory 86 individuals from the wild between 2006 and 2008. Vibratory and tactile communication is an important medium during sexual communication. We described unique movements of the mating male's legs during copulation, for the first time in the family Lycosidae. Adult females live for two years and, in their underground burrows, they produce one cocoon per season. They carry the cocoon, mostly using legs IV, and look after it for one month until the offspring leave. Maternal care for spiderlings lasts one week following the spiderlings' emergence.

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