SURVIVAL OF SCLEROCYPHON BICOLOR CARTER (COLEOPTERA: PSEPHENIDAE) IN AN INTERMITTENT STREAM IN NORTH QUEENSLAND

Abstract

Larvae of a water penny, Sclerocyphon bicolor, of a range of instars were abundant in an intermittent stream in north Queensland 2 to 3 h after the commencement of stream flow. In the laboratory these larvae could survive out of water for up to 4 months, and withstand the loss of up to 79.2% of their initial body water. Field collections found larvae in substrate which had been dry for up to 6 months. The ability of these larvae to survive out of water is attributable to (i) quiescence when out of water; (ii) considerable tolerance to water loss; and (iii) seeking of cooler, more humid regions within the substrate. Copyright © 1985, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved