The Use of Respiratory Data in Estimating Annual Respiratory Metabolism, with Particular Reference to Leiobunum rotundum (Latr.) (Phalangiida)

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Abstract
A continuously recording respirometer was used to measure the respiratory metabolism of different life stages of Leiobunum rotundum. Four methods of calculating the annual respiratory metabolism were employed. The estimates varied between 67.584 and 115.053 ml O2,/m2/yr. On the assumption that fat is the main energy source these figures are equal to an energy expenditure of 318.996 and 543.050 cal/m2/yr respectively. The method whereby individuals are grouped according to gonad condition and age gives the highest and most accurate estimate of annual respiratory metabolism as it takes into account the relatively high respiratory rates associated with small size, gonad development, and senescence. A "best estimate" of 47.2 mm3 Og/mg/h is suggested as being applicable to any population of this species where the age composition is not known and only biomass figures are available. The "best estimate" of annual respiratory metabolism in this instance is 106.954 ml O2/mVyr or 504.8 cal/mVyr.