ON HEREDITY OF 2 FORMS OF ALBINISM AND ON THE FITNESS OF ALBINOS IN THE TURKISH DESERT WOODLOUSE HEMILEPISTUS-ELONGATUS BUDDE-LUND, 1885 (ISOPODA, ONISCIDEA)

Two forms of albinism and one form of partial albinism were found in H emilepistus elongatus. Both forms of albinism are caused by recessive alleles each at a single, unlinked locus. Wild-types grew faster than albinos during the first 30 days of life, whereas the probability of s urviving this interval was almost identical. This form of albinism can be used for determining paternity in polyandrously mated females. Fem ales of both colour morphs showed no significant differences concernin g the variable ''clutch size/dry weight''. In a long-term experiment b oth morphs survived in a mixed population. The results are discussed i n the light of advantages and disadvantages of albinism in various hab itats.