Accumulation of glycerol and myo-inositol in the overwintering nymphs of the wolf spider Pardosa astrigera (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Abstract

Low-molecular-weight carbohydrates accumulated in Pardosa astrigera were identified and seasonal changes in the contents were correlated with the change in cold tolerance. The overwintering nymphs accumulated a high concentration of glycerol together with a small amount of myo-inositol. The accumulation of such molecules was at least in part associated with the acquisition of chilling tolerance but not with the depression of the supercooling point.