Open AccessSURVIVAL OF SCLEROCYPHON BICOLOR CARTER (COLEOPTERA: PSEPHENIDAE) IN AN INTERMITTENT STREAM IN NORTH QUEENSLAND
Author(s) -
Smith R. E. W.,
Pearson R. G.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
australian journal of entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1440-6055
pISSN - 1326-6756
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-6055.1985.tb00197.x
Subject(s) - biology , larva , substrate (aquarium) , instar , streams , ecology , range (aeronautics) , computer network , computer science , materials science , composite material
Larvae of a water penny, Sclerocyphon bicolor , of a range of instars were abundant in an intermittent stream in north Queensland 2 to 3 h after the commencement of stream flow. In the laboratory these larvae could survive out of water for up to 4 months, and withstand the loss of up to 79.2% of their initial body water. Field collections found larvae in substrate which had been dry for up to 6 months. The ability of these larvae to survive out of water is attributable to (i) quiescence when out of water; (ii) considerable tolerance to water loss; and (iii) seeking of cooler, more humid regions within the substrate.