Bioaccumulation of mercury and its effects on survival, development and web-weaving in the funnel-web spider Agelena labyrinthica (Araneae: Agelenidae).

This study investigated the bioaccumulation and effects of mercury (Hg) in funnel-web spiders, Agelena labyrinthica, following exposure to sublethal concentrations of Hg(NO3)2 in their drinking water. The results showed that the Hg content in adult A. labyrinthica increased rapidly with the number of days exposed to the Hg(NO3)2 solution, and the mortality of adult spiders within 30 days increased with increased concentrations of Hg(NO3)2 in the drinking water. The total developmental duration of A. labyrinthica exposed to Hg(NO3)2 was significantly longer than in the control spiders, but there were no significant differences in the total developmental duration of spiders among the three treatment groups (exposed to 10, 20 and 50 mg/L Hg(NO3)2 solution). We also compared the web-weaving of the control and treated spiders, and found no significant differences in shape, structure, color, or size of the webs between the control and treated spiders; however, there was a significant difference in web placement between the treatment and control groups. The spiders in the control group appeared to have an episodic-like memory, choosing to weave their five webs in the same corner in the five time periods allowed.