Physiological costs during the first maternal care in the wolf spider Pardosa saltans (Araneae, Lycosidae).

•Maternal care and energy status of the mother was observed in laboratory.•This behaviour includes guarding and opening the egg-sac, and the young until dispersion.•During egg-sac care, feeding behaviour is observed and internal reserves of energy are stable.•During young care, food behaviour is not observed and internal lipid reserves decrease.•Maternal care may present an energetic investment to produce as well as to transport the young.