Original scientific paper
Some ecological and ethological observations on Hendea myersi cavernicola (Chelicerata: Arachnida: Opiliones), a seeing troglobite
Victor Benno Meyer-Rochow
; Department of Biology (Animal Physiology Section) & Institute, of Arctic Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu
Alan Robert Liddle
; Department of Biology, University of the Waikato, Hamilton
Abstract
Data on the visual behaviour of Hendea myersi cavernicola (Forster) are provided which demonstrate that this harvestman can see. Since no specimens could be trapped outside the cave and the integument of this species displays a reduction in pigmentation, we have to conclude that we are dealing with a troglobite which not only possesses eyes, but actually uses them.
Keywords
ecology; ethology; physiology; biospeleology; troglobite; Waitomo Cave; visual behaviour; photoreception; UV; glowworm
Hrčak ID:
28781
URI
Publication date:
30.9.2001.
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