Life cycle and age structure ofDolichopodapopulations (Orthoptera, Raphidophoridae) from natural and artificial cave habitats

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Life cycle, phenology and age structure have been studied in three Dolichopoda populations belonging to the loetitiae‐geniculata species complex. One of these populations inhabits a natural limestone cave (Valmarino Cave, VAL), the other two live in artificial tufa caves (Tuscolo, TUS; Tunnel of Veio, VEI). Morphometric data were collected periodically both in the field and in laboratory experimental breedings (TUS population). The life cycle of the TUS population lasts 25–28 months and involves 9 pre‐imaginal instars. In the artificial cave populations (TUS, VEI), two different cohorts have been recognized, which alternate yearly. On the contrary, the separation in cohorts is not apparent in the natural cave population (VAL). Mortality rates and age structure have been studied in the three populations. The results strongly suggest the occurrence of alternative adaptive strategies related to the different selective pressures operating in the artificial vs natural caves.

This publication has 5 references indexed in Scilit: