Cave Insects
2009; Elsevier BV; Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/b978-0-12-374144-8.00047-3
Autores Tópico(s)Invertebrate Taxonomy and Ecology
ResumoThis chapter discusses the subterranean biome, highlighting terrestrial systems and the insects that are obligately adapted to live permanently in underground voids. The most conspicuous aspect displayed by obligate cave arthropods is the reduction of structures normally considered adaptive. Cave species also often lack a circadian rhythm and have relatively low metabolic and reproductive rates. A few characters are often enhanced, including modified structures such as increased hairiness, enlarged sensory organs, longer appendages, and specialized tarsi. Insects, arachnids, and millipedes are the dominant terrestrial groups living in caves. Beetles (Coleoptera), especially the families Carabidae, Leiodidae, and Staphylinidae, are well represented in the temperate caves. Troglobitic species are also found in the orders Diplura, Thysanura, Blattodea, Dermaptera, Grylloblattodea, Psocoptera, and Lepidoptera. Troglobitic bristletails (Diplura) occur mainly in temperate caves. The fantastic adaptations displayed by obligate cave animals have long intrigued biologists. Their often narrow environmental tolerances, coupled with their island-like habitats, have reinforced the view that these animals are fragile, lead an endangered existence, and are in need of conservation. Ecological studies are needed that improve our understanding of the functioning ecosystem, as well as understanding of natural successional processes. However, experimental ecological studies in caves are problematic because in few other habitats are humans so dramatically intruders as in caves.
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