ABSTRACT
The locomotor activity pattern of the desert woodlouse Hemilepistus reaumurii was monitored over the four seasons in nature and in the laboratory.
Results showed that the activity of this species was mostly concentrated during the day in nature as well as under controlled laboratory conditions. Moreover, two main peaks around sunrise and sunset described this activity; this bimodality was clearer in summer and fall than in winter and spring.
Under controlled environmental conditions, the results indicated that individuals exhibited an endogenous rhythm of the locomotor activity with an astronomic and circadian 24 h period. The most clearly defined rhythm was found during the transition seasons in spring and fall whatever the imposed regimen.
Acknowledgments
We wish to thank Mrs. Sabiha KHIARI-AYARI, Ms. Nada AYARI and Ms. Nabiha AYARI for their important contribution in accomplishing the field work of this study.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Complying with ethics of experimentation
Ethical approval
The present study did not involve human participants.
All the applicable institutional guidelines for welfare, care and use of animals were followed.