Abstract: In order to study the impact of heavy metals on Pirata subpiraticus, 50 soil samples and 150 individuals of P. subpiraticus were collected from 5 different habitats in Nanyang City, Henan Province in July 2008. The contents of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) of soil and P. subpiraticus were measured using atomic absorptions pectrometry. The carapace width, female weight, egg sac weight, the volume and number of eggs were measured and counted. The results showed that the contents of Cd, Cu and Zn in P. subpiraticus in varios habitats were positively correlated with those in soil, and significantly higher in 4 heavy metal polluted habitats (TBJK, TBTK, NYYT, and NYJG) than the control habitat (BTM nature reserve); the result for Pb content was same, but it was significantly higher in TBTK and NYYT than the control habitat (BTM). Principal component analysis (PCA) results suggested that Cd, Cu and Zn could be principal indicators of heavy metal pollution. Females from populations with high concentrations of heavy metals showed a strongly reduced fecundity, indicating a high reduction in resource availability due to detoxification processes. Egg size in contrast was negatively correlated with fecundity and as a consequence positively related with internal metal burden. The conclusion is that changes of P. subpiraticus in the relationship between offspring size and offspring fitness will result in an altered balance between offspring size and P. subpiraticus could be used as a very important bio-indicator for heavy metal pollution.

Key words: Pirata subpiraticus, soil, heavy metal pollution, carapace width, cocoon weight, egg volume