College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, 19555 North 59th Ave, Glendale, Arizona 85308, USA.
J Insect Sci. 2008;8:1-9. doi: 10.1673/031.008.4401.
Water balance of the terrestrial isopod, Armadillidium vulgare, was investigated during conglobation (rolling-up behavior). Water loss and metabolic rates were measured at 18 +/- 1 degrees C in dry air using flow-through respirometry. Water-loss rates decreased 34.8% when specimens were in their conglobated form, while CO2 release decreased by 37.1%. Water loss was also measured gravimetrically at humidities ranging from 6 to 75 %RH. Conglobation was associated with a decrease in water-loss rates up to 53 %RH, but no significant differences were observed at higher humidities. Our findings suggest that conglobation behavior may help to conserve water, in addition to its demonstrated role in protection from predation.
陆生等足目动物，Armadillidium vulgare，在团聚（滚动行为）期间的水分平衡进行了研究。在干燥空气中，使用流动呼吸计在 18 ± 1°C 下测量水分损失和代谢率。当标本处于团聚状态时，水分损失率下降了 34.8%，而 CO2 释放减少了 37.1%。还在相对湿度范围为 6 至 75%RH 的情况下通过重量法测量水分损失。团聚与水分损失率下降高达 53%RH 相关，但在更高的相对湿度下没有观察到显著差异。我们的研究结果表明，团聚行为除了有助于防止被捕食外，还可能有助于节约用水。
