Zur Biologie des küstenbewohnenden Machiliden Petrobius brevistylis (Thysanura, Insecta)

Abstract

The supralittoral habitat of Petrobius brevistylisCarpenter on the isle of Helgoland is described. The animals live very close together. From November to April they occur in the deep crevices of the rocklets. Eggs are laid from June to July. The incubation period lasts one year. A blastoderm cuticle protects the embryo. The first instar measures about 2.5 mm. After one year body length is 8 mm, after two years 12 mm. Many exuvies and anomalies during ecdysis have been observed. P. brevistylis feeds on small Chlorophyceae. © 1968 Biologischen Anstalt Helgoland.