Higher temperature and substrate vibrations as stress factors for terrestrial isopods – model species matter

Abstract

This study was focused on behaviour of the Common Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) and the Plum Woodlouse (Porcellionides pruinosus) under the influence of stressors in the form of increased temperature, the vibrating surface, or their combination. Two types of experiments were performed. First, woodlice placed in a labyrinth were observed, to determine the degree of turn alternation, the speed of passing through the labyrinth, and the corrections of turn alternation, when exposed to stressors. In the second experiment how woodlice aggregate in the aforementioned potential stressors was recorded and whether the change in aggregation behaviour can be an indicator of the degree of stress. Increased temperature and the combination of increased temperature and vibrations were stressors only for P. scaber. The results show that vibrations are not a stress factor for P. scaber or P. pruinosus. Porcellio scaber passed through the labyrinth more slowly at increased temperatures, and although they made more turn-corrections, they alternated turns less intensely. Its aggregation behaviour was mainly influenced by temperature, which confirms that the aggregation behaviour of P. scaber actually indicates a degree of stress.