THE EFFECT OF AQUEOUS SUBMERSION ON RESPIRATION IN THE MILLIPEDE SPIROSTREPTUS ASTHENES (POCOCK)

Abstract

SUMMARY The millipedes were submerged in water at 20°, 30° and 35°C to observe anaerobic ability and changes in oxygen uptake. Survival after submersion was better at the colder temperature (20°C) than at the warmer temperature (35°C). During post-submersion (recovery) at all temperatures an initial overshoot in oxygen uptake was noted. Oxygen debt repayment after different durations of submersion periods did not show any consistency, but it was generally seen that when the duration of the submersion period was increased the percentage of oxygen debt repaid was decreased in relation to temperature and size.