Abstract
The thermal tolerance of the aquatic isopod L. brachyurus (Harger) was investigated. Survival, as measured by the time to 50% mortality (LT50), increased with increasing acclimation temperature. A tolerance polygon was constructed which defined the range of temperatures (0-23.degree. C) tolerated by the isopods for 2 wk. Upper lethal temperatures were lower than recorded for other isopod species. Lower lethal temperatures were related to those of other isopod species and to ice mineralization of creek water. The thermal tolerance of L. brachyurus corresponded to maximum and minimum water temperatures recorded in the study creek. The ecological significance with respect to the biology and habitat of L. brachyurus, and to power plant operation, is discussed.

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