Water balance in Collembola and its relation to habitat selection; cuticular water loss and water uptake

摘要: Abstract In the order Collembola a clear relationship was found between overall cuticular water loss and conditions of habitat. The different transpiration rates were negatively correlated with haemolymph osmotic pressure, but there no causal relationship. two species, Orchesella cincta Tomocerus minor, which live sympatric have micro-distribution (partly due to small scale heterogeneity in conditions), important differences exist both rate speed uptake: had significantly lower higher uptake than minor. species linearly related vapour pressure deficit ambient air. Contrary cincta, minor lost saturated conditions. Freshly-killed living individuals, such difference. It is suggested that main integumentary resistance against epidermal cell epicuticle. role ventral vesicles relations confirmed.