Conglobation in the pill bug, Armadillidium vulgare, as a water conservation mechanism.
Water balance of the terrestrial isopod, Armadillidium vulgare, was investigated during conglobation (rolling-up behavior). Water loss and metabolic rates were measured at 18 +/- 1 degrees C in dry air using flow-through respirometry. Water-loss rates decreased 34.8% when specimens were in their conglobated form, while CO2 release decreased by 37.1%. Water loss was also measured gravimetrically at humidities ranging from 6 to 75 %RH. Conglobation was associated with a decrease in water-loss rates up to 53 %RH, but no significant differences were observed at higher humidities. Our findings suggest that conglobation behavior may help to conserve water, in addition to its demonstrated role in protection from predation.
Smigel
Jacob T
JT
College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, 19555 North 59th Ave, Glendale, Arizona 85308, USA. jacob.smigel@azwebmail.midwestern.edu
Gibbs
Allen G
AG
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D004924:Escape Reaction / Q000502:physiology; D006813:Humidity; D033321:Isopoda / Q000378:metabolism*; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism*
D014867:Water; D002245:Carbon Dioxide