DIURNAL PERIODICITY OF THREE ENDEMIC PILL MILLIPEDES (ARTHROSPHAERA) IN WESTERN GHATS, INDIA

Abstract

Diurnal periodicity and behavior of three species of endemic pill millipedes belonging to the genus Arthrosphaera (Sphaerotheriidae) (Arthrosphaera dalyi, A. davisoni and A. fumosa) were assessed in two mixed plantations (Kadaba and Basrikallu) and a semi-evergreen forest (Madikeri) of the Western Ghats during monsoon season. Increase in air (27.44°C) and soil (26.13°C) temperatures  induced resting phase in A. dalyi in Kadaba plantation. Resting phase was not much influenced by temperature in A. davisoni (Basrikallu plantation: air, 20.5°C; soil, 19.81°C) and A. fumosa (Madikeri forest: air 19.69°C; soil, 19.13°C) due to relatively low temperature regimes in their habitat. In diurnal pattern of behavior, most of the crawling, feeding and burrowing activities of Arthrosphaera are confined to dusk or night. The overall diurnal behavior pattern of A. dalyi, A. davisoni and A. fumosa has been predicted due to species, geographical location (Western Ghat and foothill) and habitat (plantation and forest) differences.