Solar orientation in British sandhoppers

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Abstract
In this study we tested the existence of a sun‐compass in North‐European (British) sandhoppers. Adult sandhoppers Talitrus saltator assume and maintain the direction of the Y (sea‐land) axis of their beach by means of a chronometrical sun‐compass. This is demonstrated by mirror and clock‐shifting experiments. Differences in zonal maintenance between Mediterranean and British sandhoppers are discussed keeping in mind some different ecological factors. Zonal orientation of British sandhoppers appears more similar to that of equatorial Talorchestia martensii.