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.