Energy and water balance in the large sub-tropical millipede Alloporus bilobatus (Diplopoda: Spirostreptidae)
1995
Webb, P.I. | Telford, S.R.
Oxygen consumption and evaporative water loss were determined in summer acclimated adult male Alloporus bilobatus (mean body mass 20.5 g) when at rest at ambient temperatures of 15, 25 and 35 degrees C. Oxygen consumption increased linearly and evaporative water loss increased exponentially with ambient temperature. Metabolic rate was depressed at the upper end of the temperature range when compared to other poikilotherms of the same body mass. Cuticular permeability to water was estimated to be at the lower end of the range found in other millipede species. Faecal water content was determined and these data used to estimate energy use and water loss in millipedes over a range of ambient temperatures. We estimate that depending on ambient temperature, millipedes estivating during the summer will use fat or carbohydrate stores at a rate of 0.6-1.5% and 1.3-3.3% of live body mass per week respectively. Local relative humidity would have to be in excess of 94% for estivating millipedes to maintain body water content while relying solely on metabolism as a water source.
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