COLD-HARDINESS OF EUROPEAN MILLIPEDES (DIPLOPODA)

Results on the cold-hardiness of a polydesmid, a polyzoniid, two glome rids and two julids are given. These millipedes show no freezing-toler ance, except for a small proportion of Tachypodoiulus niger (Julidae). Supercooling points (SCPs) are high, of the order of -5 degrees C, ex cept for Polyzonium germanicum (Polyzoniidae) in which they fall to be low -10 degrees C during the winter. Juveniles have lower SCPs than ad ults. Several species appear to be chilling tolerant, mortality occurr ing only at the SCP temperature, but Allajulus nitidus (Julidae) may d ie at sub-zero temperatures before being frozen. Behavioural avoidance of frosts is essential for the winter survival of most species.