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Seasonal activity patterns and behaviour of juliform millipedes in south-eastern Botswana

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

J. Mark Dangerfield ,
Alice E. Milner  and
Reba Matthews
J. Mark Dangerfield
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Botswana, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
Alice E. Milner
Affiliation:
Private Bag 0012, Gaborone, Botswana
Reba Matthews
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Botswana, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
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Abstract

The seasonal patterns of surface activity and behaviour were recorded for three species of juliform millipede in a savanna habitat in south-east Botswana. Initially, surface activity followed rainfall events but this association weakened as the season progressed and, although significant, the correlation between the magnitude of rainfall events and activity was weak. Activity also occurred on moist, relatively cool and cloudy days, particularly in Alloporus uncinatus which was much larger than the other species. The onset and duration of surface activity varied between species. Observations of feeding behaviour suggested that millipedes in semi-arid savannas did not subsist exclusively on tree leaf litter but appeared to select a range of food types. Mobility is necessary to obtain these patchy resources but differences between the sexes in patterns of behaviour are more likely related to the mating patterns of these species.

Keywords

Alloporus uncinatusBotswanaCalostreptus spdiplopodsfeedingOdontopyge sprainfallsavannasurface activity
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 8 , Issue 4 , November 1992 , pp. 451 - 464
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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