Phasic Behaviour Shown by Two Carpophilus Species (Coleoptera, Nitidulidae) in Various Humidity Gradients and Its Ecological Significance

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Abstract
The behavior of isolated adults of Caropophilus hemipterus and C. dimidiatus was studied in various humidity gradients with the aid of time lapse photography. All individuals examine, while spending most of their time in moist zones, underwent recurring wandering phases of behavior in which they were either indifferent to humidity or briefly behaved in a manner contrary to their normal habit. This phenomenon was believed to be of more general application as it was present in 2 other beetle species examined. The ecological importance of such behavior is discussed. Its survival value might be that it could secure a more even distribution of animals in a microclimatic patchwork of favorable and unfavorable humidity zones.

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