abstract: Microhedyle milaschewitchii Kow. obtained from a sublittoral shellsand near Rovinj (Yugoslavia) prefers a grain size range of 0.5 to 2 mm in simple-choice experiments. This fraction predominates in the natural substrate (73.1%). Light did not affect the behaviour of the animals which are much less thigmotactical than Protodrilus. Sterile sands are rejected when offered together with natural substrate, but are equally attractive after having been incubated with sand bacteria for ten days. Similarly dried sand is not accepted by the animals. There is no significant preference between quartz and chalk sands, both containing bacteria. Optimal grain size and living microorganisms apparently are essential for the colonization of a substrate.
authors.affiliation: I. Zoologisches Institut der Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hadl
authors.affiliation: I. Zoologisches Institut der Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kothbauer
authors.affiliation: I. Zoologisches Institut der Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Peter
authors.affiliation: I. Zoologisches Institut der Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wawra