Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-hc48f Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-01-03T14:03:20.165Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Observations on the biology and submergence behaviour of some littoral beetles

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

P. D. Evans ,
C. N. E. Ruscoe  and
J. E. Treherne
P. D. Evans
Affiliation:
Department Of Zoology, University Of Cambridge
C. N. E. Ruscoe
Affiliation:
Department Of Zoology, University Of Cambridge
J. E. Treherne
Affiliation:
Department Of Zoology, University Of Cambridge
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Summary

The four species studied (Bledius spectabilis, Heterocerus fenestratus, Dichirotrichus pubescens and Cillenus lateralis) are most commonly found in a region delimited by the anaerobic mud of the lower bank and the dense marsh bordering the drainage channels in tidal salt-marshes at Scolt Head Island, Norfolk.

Experimental submersion of the beetles in sea water was found to induce an apparent anoxic condition which was associated with a drastic reduction in oxygen consumption. On return to air there was a large increase in oxygen consumption characteristic of an appreciable oxygen debt.

The use of the physiological responses to submergence as an indicator of effective contact with water revealed that their subterranean mode of life largely prevents direct exposure of the beetles to sea water in natural conditions. A significant proportion of Heterocerus fenestratus were, however, found to be vulnerable to flooding by sea water during tidal coverage of the burrow system.

These results are considered in relation to the observations made on the behaviour and burrowing activity of the various species.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 51 , Issue 2 , May 1971 , pp. 375 - 386
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1971

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Bro, Larsen E., 1950. In Vort. Lands Dyreliv, pp. 107–26. Copenhagen: Gyldendal.Google Scholar
Bro, Larsen E., 1951. Studies on the soil fauna of Skallingen. Oikos, Vol. 3, pp. 166–92.Google Scholar
Bro, Larsen E., 1952. On sub-social beetles from the salt-marsh, their care of progeny and adaptation to salt and tide. Trans. 9th Int. Congr. Ent., Vol. 1, pp. 502–6.Google Scholar
Bro, Larsen E., 1953. Successions studies i et Lavrendingsomrade, Skomagersletten, Skallingen. Georgr. Tidsskr., Vol. 52, pp. 182–200.Google Scholar
Steers, J. A., 1960. Scolt Head Island. Revised Edition. 269 pp. Cambridge: Heffer.Google Scholar
Steers, J. A., 1964. Blakeney Point and Scolt Head Island. 76 pp. London: National Trust.Google Scholar
Wigglesworth, V. B., 1965. The Principles of Insect Physiology. 6th ed. 741 pp. London: Methuen.Google Scholar