An Investigation into the Method of Dispersal of Panagrellus silusiae, with Particular Reference to its Desiccation Resistance

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Abstract
1. P.silusiae is shown to be unable to resist desiccation on a microscope slide for periods above half an hour, although larvae within the uterus of the mother can survive for somewhat longer periods.2. When “protected” by a colloidal gel, the worms are shown to resist desiccation for several months. Such “protected” worms are more resistant to temperature extremes than “non-protected” ones.8. P. silusiae is immobilized in glucose solutions above 1M strength, although it can resume mobility on dilution of the solution, even after fourteen days in 4 M glucose solution.4. P. silusiae is shown to be positively chemotactic towards oxygen, in addition the gravid females are negatively geotactic.5. Drosophila fimcbr is is shown to act as a dispersal agent for P. silusiae.