Respiratory responses of oribatid mites to temperature changes
1995
Stamou, G.P. | Asikidis, M.D. | Argyropoulou, M.D. | Iatrou, G.D.
The present paper presents results on the metabolic activity of adults of three oribatid species (Scheloribates cf. latipes, Pilogalumna allifera and Achipteria oudemansi), inhabiting the upper soil layers of a mediterranean pasture land, covered by evergreen-sclerophyllous shrubs. Oxygen consumption was recorded at six temperatures for three subsequent days to determine the respiration rate-temperature relationship and to describe the acclimation process to constant temperature conditions. The response of the animals to temperature changes was also determined. Low respiration rates and Q10 values, a relative thermal independence at temperature extremes and an acute response to temperature increase are the main metabolic characteristics of the animals. These results are discussed in relation to the life cycle characteristics of the species in the field.
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