Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://repositorio.ufla.br/jspui/handle/1/40477
Title: Aspects of the behavior and activity rhythms of Rowlandius potiguar (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae)
Keywords: Predation
Animal behavior
Caves
Humidity
Collective human behavior
Brazilian cave
Abdomen
Flagella
Issue Date: Mar-2014
Publisher: Plos.org
Citation: OLIVEIRA, M. P. A. de; FERREIRA, R. L. Aspects of the behavior and activity rhythms of Rowlandius potiguar (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae). Plos One, [S.l.], v. 9, n. 3, Mar. 2014. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091913.
Abstract: Although organisms of the order Schizomida are not widely distributed in caves throughout the world, they can, eventually, be abundant in certain regions, becoming a major faunal element in some caves. The majority of works on this order includes species descriptions, with rare references to behavioral aspects. As such, the present study describes the behavioral repertoire, and the activity and feeding periods of Rowlandius potiguar (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) in the laboratory. The specimens were maintained in a terrarium, in an aphotic room, with temperature and humidity levels similar to the cave of origin. We used the focal-animal and ad libitum methods to describe behavior with qualitative and quantitative evaluations of behavioral acts. We witnessed nineteen behavioral acts, which is considered representative for observations in captivity. Two activity periods were observed: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., characterizing an ultradian rhythm. In adaptive terms, this condition may be important for population maintenance in oligotrophic environments such as caverns. Necrophagy and cannibalism were also registered and could have been selected in the subterranean environment due to oligotrophy. The observation of rare and unprecedented behavior in this group, as well as the presence of rhythmicity in activity patterns, contribute to a better understanding of the ecological aspects of the species of this still little known order.
URI: http://repositorio.ufla.br/jspui/handle/1/40477
Appears in Collections:DBI - Artigos publicados em periódicos



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