THE ADAPTATION OF ALPINE TERRESTRIAL ARTHROPODS TO DESICCATION

A short review of the literature of adaptation to desiccation in alpin e terrestrial arthropods is presented. The question has been studied i n Diplopoda, Collembola, Orthoptera as well as carabid and tenebrionid Coleoptera. Many species avoid desiccation by seeking sheltered micro habitats. Physiological tolerance includes reduced cuticular permeabil ity and the absorption of water through the cryptonephridial system in some beetles. Osmoregulation and low rates of water losses have been demonstrated in tenebrionids from the High Atlas Mountains. During deh ydration solute concentrations of the perirectal fluid exceeded 2 500 mosmol.kg-1, while haemolymph concentrations remained lower than 700 o r 1000 mosmol.kg-1.