Using woodlice (Isopoda,Oniscoidea) to demonstrate orientation behaviour

Woodlice show two behavioural kineses as adaptations to prevent water loss. These are attraction to solid objects, including each other, (thigmokinesis), and attraction to dark places (negative photqkinesis). The interaction between these two kineses was tested in a classroom experiment, in which one to five woodlice were placed in a petri dish with one half painted black. The strongest response was the thigmotactic attraction, with negative photokinesis playing a secondary role. From these experiments students learn about cooperation, taxes (directional responses to stimulus i.e. the woodlice move towards or away from a stimulus) and kineses (non-directional response to stimulus, i.e. the woodlice respond by showing an increase or decrease in activity level), and experimental design.     

Biogeography of body size in terrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Oniscidea)

This study tries to unveil the contribution of climatic shift in shaping the extreme body size diversity in terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea). Trying to explain size variation at an interspecific level, we test five hypotheses: (1) Bergmann's Rule and the temperature‐size rule postulate large size in cold areas; (2) The metabolic cold adaptation theory postulates small animal sizes in cold environments; (3) The primary productivity hypothesis predicts size increase in resource‐rich areas; (4) The aridity resistance hypothesis predicts large size in arid regions; and (5). The acidosis hypothesis predicts smaller size with decreasing soil pH. Globally, Bergmann's rule and the aridity hypothesis are weakly supported. Among families and genera, results are variable and idiosyncratic. Conglobating species sizes provide weak support for the acidosis hypothesis. Overall, size is strongly affected by familial affiliation. Isopod size evolution seems to be mainly affected by phylogenetically constrained life‐history traits.     

Description of the postmarsupial manca stages of Armadillidium granulatum (Crustacea,Isopoda, Oniscidea)

The development of the postmarsupial manca stages of Armadillidium granulatum Brandt, 1833 was studied in detail by morphological analysis. Ovigerous females were reared separately under controlled conditions, allowing us to follow the stages of development from release from the marsupium until the appearance of the first juvenile stage, identified by the full development of the seventh pair of pereopods. Each newborn was followed to record the subsequent moults that identify the three postmarsupial manca stages. Manca stage M I had a mean duration of 6 h, manca stage M II 15 days, and manca stage M III 32 days. The cephalothorax width was measured to provide a growth measure for each stage. The mean values of the cephalothorax width were: 0.512 mm (± 0.083 SD) for M I, 0.677 mm (± 0.058 SD) for M II and 1.194 mm (± 0.079 SD) for M III. The morphological modifications in the three postmarsupial manca stages were described, the body parts illustrated, and SEM images taken. The distinguishing characteristics among mancas were discussed, and comparisons made with manca stages of other terrestrial isopod species.     

Burmoniscus kitadaitoensis Nunomura, 2009 (Crustacea,Isopoda, Oniscidea) from southern Japan,a junior synonym of B. meeusei (Holthuis, 1947)

Re-examination of the holotype of Burmoniscus kitadaitoensis Nunomura, 2009 from Kitadaitojima Island, southern Japan reveals that this species is a junior synonym of B. meeusei (Holthuis, 1947). Partial regions of mitochondrial COI, 12S and 16S rRNA genes, and nuclear 18S and 28S rRNA genes were detected for species identification in the future.     

Laboratory infection of terrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Isopoda) with neoaplectanid and heterorhabditid nematodes (Rhabditida: Nematoda)

Under laboratory conditions, the nematodes Neoaplectana carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis heliothidis were able to infect and develop inside the hemocoel of terrestrial isopods belonging to the genus Porcellio. Armidillidium vulgare was also infected by N. carpocapsae, but this host was less susceptible than Porcellio. Results show that, under suitable ecological conditions, it would be feasible to utilize N. carpocapsae as a biological control agent of sowbugs (Porcellio spp.). This is the first report showing the ability of neoaplectanids and heterorhabditids to invade representatives of the Crustacea.     

Revision of the genus Exalloniscus Stebbing, 1911 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea)

The present taxonomic revision recognizes 16 species of Exalloniscus. Seven species, namely E. maschwitzi, E, caudatvs, E. malaccensis, E. bicoloratus from West Malaysia, E. bomeanus from East Malaysia, E. beroni from northern Thailand and E. vietnamensis from Vietnam, are described as new. Lectotypes off. coecus (Dollfus, 1898) and E. albus (Dollfus, 1898) are designated. Diagnostic characters of all the species are illustrated. A map and comments on the distribution and biology of the 16 species are included.     

The integument in troglobitic and epigean woodlice (Isopoda: Oniscidea): a comparative ultrastructural study

We compared the ultrastructure and the relative thickness of the integumental cuticle in several species of troglobitic and non-troglobitic woodlice. Measurements of tergal cuticle thickness on histological sections demonstrated that the cuticles in non-troglobites are thicker than those in troglobites of similar body sizes. As revealed by scanning electron microscopy, the endocuticles in troglobites consist of more numerous and thinner lamellae compared to cuticles of similar thickness in non-troglobites. Similar differences in the number and thickness of cuticular lamellae were not found in the exocuticle. As demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy of the epicuticles in troglobitic and non-troglobitic woodlice, the simple inner epicuticle is thinner relative to the total epicuticle thickness in troglobites, but this is not the case for the outer epicuticle. Outer epicuticles consisting of different numbers of sublayers can be found in troglobites as well as in non-troglobites and more complex outer epicuticles are not characteristic of representatives of any of the two ecological groups. Our results indicate that the thickness and structure of the integumental cuticle are important for evolutionary success in the subterranean environment. Nevertheless, the cuticles of troglobites are diverse in their ultrastructural features, likely reflecting different lifestyles of various troglobites.     

Two new species of Neotroponiscus Arcangeli, 1936 (Crustacea,Isopoda, Oniscidea) from Brazilian caves

Currently Neotroponiscus comprises eight species. In this study, two new species of this genus of terrestrial isopods are described. Neotroponiscus iporangaensis sp. nov. was collected in limestone caves located in Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira (PETAR). Neotroponiscus tuberculatus sp. nov. occurs in iron ore caves of the Iron Quadrangle (local name Quadrilátero Ferrífero) and represents the first species of the genus recorded in iron caves. As tourism and mining are common activities in PETAR and in the caves of the Iron Quadrangle, respectively, both species’ occurrence is threatened.

http://zoobank.org:pub:45DFEEEC-0590-49E2-8A53-E48F081FB497     

Molecular phylogeny and phylogeography of the Greek populations of the genus Orthometopon (Isopoda, Oniscidea) based on mitochondrial DNA sequences

We infer phylogenetic relationships among isopod species of the genus Orthometopon distributed in the Greek area, comparing partial mitochondrial DNA sequences for cytochrome oxidase I (COI). All phylogenetic analyses produced topologically identical trees that revealed a well-resolved phylogeny. These trees support the monophyly of the genus Orthometopon , and suggest two clades that correspond to separate geographical regions (west and east of the mid-Aegean trench). However, the phylogenetic relationships among Greek populations of Orthometopon spp. are different from the presumed pattern on the basis of morphological evidence. The distinct geographical distribution of the major clades of the phylogenetic tree and its topology suggest a spatial and temporal sequence of phylogenetic separations, which coincide with some major palaeogeographical separations during the geological history of the Aegean Sea. The results stress the need for a reconsideration of the evolutionary history of Orthometopon species, which will help overcome difficulties encountered in classical taxonomy at the species level. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 152 , 707–715.     

The occurrence of a rickettsial disease in British woodlice (Crustacea,Isopoda, Oniscidea) populations

During a structural study of the gut and tegumental glands of the woodlouse Porcellio scaber Latreille, numerous darkly staining spindle-shaped bodies were found in certain tissues. These proved to be elementary bodies of Rickettsiella grylli (Rickettsiales, Rickettsiaceae). Details of its structure and distribution within the host tissues are given, including the rosette-type tegumental glands and a type of tissue not seen in woodlice before, the vesicular bodies (also found in healthy specimens). This is the first time that this pathogenic organism has been recorded in P. scaber and the first record for R. grylli from the British Isles. The rickettsial disease may also be present in British populations of the woodlice Oniscus asellus Linnaeus and Armadillidium vulgare (Latrielle).     

The postmarsupial development of Porcellio siculoccidentalis, with some data on reproductive biology (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea)

In the broader context of research on the Sicilian Porcellio imbutus-complex, the postmarsupial development of Porcellio siculoccidentalis Viglianisi, Lombardo & Caruso, 1992 was studied in detail. This research was conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions, allowing us to follow the stages of development, from the formation of the marsupium in ovigerous females until the larval stages and development of the seventh pair of legs. The timing of developmental stages and the morphological modifications of appendages in the postmarsupial manca stages (M I-M III) are described. The manca stage M I had a duration of about one hour. Ovigerous females were collected and reared separately, and the number of parturial molts in the absence of males was counted. The results showed a maximum of four successive parturial molts. Fecundity and fertility were evaluated as the number of eggs and embryos, respectively, inside the marsupium of the ovigerous females. Both parameters were positively correlated with the size of the females. The maximum numbers of eggs and embryos in the marsupium were 113 and 141, respectively. Data describing the total number of postmarsupial mancas released per month indicated that the highest release occurred in April.     

Taxonomy and molecular phylogeny of the Neotropical genus Atlantoscia (Oniscidea,Philosciidae): DNA barcoding and description of two new species

Identification to the species level using morphology is challenging when usual diagnostic characters are similar amongst related taxa. Within the Neotropical genus Atlantoscia, differences between nominal species are generally small and restricted to a few characters. Despite the power of DNA sequencing to identify and distinguish between species, molecular phylogenies of terrestrial isopods from the Neotropics have not been determined. In this study, two new species of Atlantoscia were described and molecular markers were used to verify both the validity of the current taxonomy and the relationships amongst the species within this genus. All of the recognized Atlantoscia species were strongly supported in the generated phylogenetic trees. The average congeneric distance was 14.7%, with Atlantoscia ituberasensis and Atlantoscia rubromarginata showing the highest genetic divergence. Our results demonstrate the utility of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene together with DNA barcoding to reliably distinguish Atlantoscia species. They also show that DNA barcoding may be helpful in those cases in which classical taxonomy does not provide clear‐cut species resolution. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London     

Ecotypic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity in reproductive traits of Armadillidium vulgare (Isopoda: Oniscidea)

Armadillidium vulgare differed in growth and survivorship on two field sites. Growth rates were higher at a site with consistently higher quality food than at the other site where less high-quality food was produced and which was less predictably accessible. Survivorship was higher at the second site where temperature fluctuations were consistently smaller. Individuals from the two populations were kept for 6 months under the same food and temperature conditions and patterns of resource allocation to reproductive traits analysed. Members of the population from the site with good growth conditions had significantly higher reproductive allocation, by 13.5%, and larger broods, by 9.1%, than those from the site with poor growth conditions. Contrary to theoretical predictions, they also had significantly larger offspring, by 7.5% dry mass. Larger offspring survived better than small ones. This differential survivorship, by 20% for a 3.4% difference in live mass, was much more pronounced under conditions of moisture stress and under fluctuating temperature regimes. Larger offspring would therefore be at a selective advantage on the site with more severe temperature fluctuations. Phenotypic plasticity in reproductive traits in response to experimental changes in food quality, temperature and crowding were monitored. Reproductive allocation was increased by 20.8% under conditions of higher food quality, by 14.7% at higher temperatures, and by 12.5% under less crowded conditions. Brood size, but not offspring dry mass, increased when food quality increased. When crowding increased by 25.0%, the size of broods remained the same but the dry mass of individual offspring decreased by 11.2%. Members of the population from the site with more variable access to high-quality food showed more plasticity in reproductive traits in response to changes in food supply than members of the population from the site with the more predictable food supply. Members of the population from the site with more stable temperatures showed less plasticity to temperature changes than members of the population from the site with greater temperature fluctuations. It is concluded that the observed microevolutionary processes and phenotypic plasticity have adaptative value as responses to spatial and temporal heterogeneity in environmental conditions.     

Genetic relatedness and group size in an aggregation economy

Summary We use Hamilton's Rule to investigate effects of genetic relatedness on the predicted size of social groups. We assume an aggregation economy; individual fitness initially increases with group size, but in sufficiently large groups each member's individual fitness declines with further increments in the size of the group. We model two processes of group formation, designated free entry and group-controlled entry. The first model assumes that solitary individuals decide to join groups or remain alone; group size equilibrates when solitaries no longer choose to join. The second model allows group members to regulate the size of the group, so that the predicted group size results from members' decisions to repel or accept intruding solitaries. Both the Nash equilibrium group size and any change in the equilibrium caused by varying the level of relatedness depend on the particular entry rule assumed. The largest equilibrium group size occurs when solitaries choose between joining or not joining and individuals are unrelated. Increasing genetic relatedness may reduce and can never increase, equilibrium group size when this entry rule applies. The smallest equilibrium group size occurs when group members choose between repelling or accepting intruders and individuals are unrelated. Under this entry rule, increasing genetic relatedness can increase and can never decrease, equilibrium group size. We extend the models' predictions to suggest when individuals should prefer kin vs non-kin as members of the same group.     

Foraminiferan (Protozoa) epizoites on deep-water arcturids (Crustacea,Isopoda)

Foraminiferan (Protozoa) epizoites were examined on two deep-water isopods, Neastacilla sp. and Pleuroprion hystrix (Valvifera, Arcturidae), from the north Atlantic Ocean and the Nordic Seas. Most foraminiferans belonged to genus Cibicides and occurred on 27% of Neastacilla and 23% of Pleuroprion hystrix. The pattern of foraminiferan epibiosis was similar in both species, with a concentration on the dorsal body and on the posterior pereopods. The arcturids showed an increase in number of foraminiferans with increased body size, suggesting that available time span for settling on the younger stages (mancas) was relatively short. There was a trend towards larger numbers of foraminiferans occurring on larger arcturid species, suggesting that available space is the factor that determines the total number of foraminiferans for epibenthic arcturid isopod species.     

黄野螟群体大小对幼虫个体生存和发育的影响

幼虫聚集取食是一些鳞翅目昆虫提高幼虫生长和存活的手段。通过对聚集取食的黄野螟Heortia vitessoides Moore幼虫在室内条件下进行饲养,探究黄野螟幼虫的群体数量大小(分别为30、60、90头幼虫)对幼虫体长、发育速度、达末龄(5龄)时的存活率的影响。分析发现在排除天敌捕食和食物缺乏的前提下,从3龄开始,大群体(90头)的体长显著大于小群体(30头),大群体的幼虫发育速度显著快于小群体,大群体对幼虫前4个龄期时的成活率没有显著提高,尽管大群体的存活率在均值上高于小群体,但是幼虫总体存活率在不同群体中差异不显著。黄野螟幼虫的聚集取食对幼虫的生长的促进作用明显,显著促进了幼虫的生长,加快了幼虫的发育。     

Colonization of Colliery Spoil Heaps by Millipedes (Diplopoda) and Terrestrial Isopods (Oniscidea) in the Sokolov Region, Czech Republic

Successive development of millipede and terrestrial isopod assemblages in colliery spoil heaps in the Sokolov region (northwest Bohemia, Czech Republic) was studied during the years 1993–1998. Younger colliery spoil heaps were characterized by a lower number and low density of millipede species. The millipedes Polydesmus inconstans, Polydesmus testaceus, and Craspedosoma rawlinsii represented the main pioneer species. Alder afforestation proved to be more suitable for the recolonization of millipede populations, especially for the predominant Julus scandinavius. Terrestrial isopods colonized all parts of the heaps, including the youngest open plots. The most frequent isopod, Trachelipus rathkii, is a colonizing species with an apparently high adaptability to different environmental conditions. The isolated character of the extensive heap areas, together with existing extreme soil conditions, resulted in slow recolonization and a successional development of stable populations of these animals. However, the relatively high densities of millipede and isopod assemblages in suitable alder afforestation can represent further potential sources for colonization of other open‐heap areas.