Changes in desiccation resistance during development in the millipede Polydesmus angustus

摘要: Summary Water loss at increasing temperature in dry air (< 5% r.h.) was measured for the eight stadia of Polydesmus angustus Latzel (Diplopoda, Polydesmida: Polydesmidae). Instantaneous rates water loss, expressed as percentages original body water, were calculated 20, 25 and 30°C. At each temperature, rate varied greatly among stadia, decreasing between 15- 18-fold from stadium I to VII, then significantly VII VIII (adult). In all increased with rising but effect much more pronounced juveniles than larger stadia. The threshold heat stupor, which IV onwards, during development, 35.6°C 39.5°C adults. Survival 20°C 76% r.h. could be expected air, survival time adult stage. maximum tolerable estimated V, adults, did not change (mean: 47% content), suggesting that times under desiccating conditions depended primarily on loss. relevance results terms summer natural is discussed, it concluded juvenile mortality substantial field. This important understanding adaptive value cohort-splitting P. angustus.