The Survival of the Desert Isopod Hemilepist'Us Reaumurii (Audouin) in Relation To Temperature (Isopoda, Oniscoidea)

[The isopod Hemilepistus reaumurii is the most important herbivore in many desert areas in the Middle East. During the winter low temperatures prevent its above-ground activity. In this study it was found that at a temperature of 10° C inside the burrow, survival of Hemilepistus reaumurii without food was the longest. Above and below this temperature survival was considerably lower. Enough H. reaumurii individuals survived to account for the establishment of the breeding population in the following spring. Survival was independent of initial weight., The isopod Hemilepistus reaumurii is the most important herbivore in many desert areas in the Middle East. During the winter low temperatures prevent its above-ground activity. In this study it was found that at a temperature of 10° C inside the burrow, survival of Hemilepistus reaumurii without food was the longest. Above and below this temperature survival was considerably lower. Enough H. reaumurii individuals survived to account for the establishment of the breeding population in the following spring. Survival was independent of initial weight.]