Aspects of the Behavior and Activity Rhythms of Rowlandius potiguar (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae)

Abstract

Although organisms of the order Schizomida are not widely distributed in caves throughout the world, they can, eventually, be abundant in certain regions, becoming a major faunal element in some caves. The majority of works on this order includes species descriptions, with rare references to behavioral aspects. As such, the present study describes the behavioral repertoire, and the activity and feeding periods of Rowlandius potiguar (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) in the laboratory. The specimens were maintained in a terrarium, in an aphotic room, with temperature and humidity levels similar to the cave of origin. We used the focal-animal and ad libitum methods to describe behavior with qualitative and quantitative evaluations of behavioral acts. We witnessed nineteen behavioral acts, which is considered representative for observations in captivity. Two activity periods were observed: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., characterizing an ultradian rhythm. In adaptive terms, this condition may be important for population maintenance in oligotrophic environments such as caverns. Necrophagy and cannibalism were also registered and could have been selected in the subterranean environment due to oligotrophy. The observation of rare and unprecedented behavior in this group, as well as the presence of rhythmicity in activity patterns, contribute to a better understanding of the ecological aspects of the species of this still little known Order.

Rowlandius dumitrescoae species group: new diagnosis, key and description of new cave-dwelling species from Brazil (Schizomida, Hubbardiidae)

“…These species appear to be limited to these hypogean habitats, but they do not have apparent troglomorphisms and their presence in caves may be a recent invasion after climate change in Northeastern Brazil and retraction of the forest (Santos et al 2007). The small size and the relatively thin cuticle of schizomids makes them sensitive to dehydration and caves serve as a suitable habitat for these animals (Oliveira and Ferreira 2014). The exotic species Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlim, 1922, for example, has already been found in caves in Central Brazil (Gallão et al 2015).…”

“…An interesting case of dimorphism is present in Rowlandius gracilis Teruel, 2004 and Rowlandius potiguar Santos, Ferreira & Buzzato, 2013, where the same population has both heteromorphic males with long pedipalp articles and homeomorphic males with shorter, female-sized pedipalp articles (Teruel 2004; Teruel et al 2012; Santos et al 2013; Oliveira and Ferreira 2014). …”

First record of invasive Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 (Arachnida: Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) from the Southern region of Brazil

“…In Brazil, approximately 20 schizomid species have been reported so far (Reddell & Cokendolpher, 1995;Adis et al, 1999;Cokendolpher & Reddell, 2000;Peres et al, 2006;Bonaldo & Pinto-da-Rocha, 2007;Santos et al, 2008;Santos & Pinto-da-Rocha, 2009;Santos et al, 2013;Oliveira & Ferreira, 2014;Giupponi et al, 2016;Pinto-da-Rocha et al, 2016;Salvatierra, 2018;Ruiz & Valente, 2017.…”

A new species of Charinus Simon 1892 from Brazil, with notes on behavior (Amblypygi, Charinidae)

“…Few studies have been published on the behavioral repertoires of arachnids, including Opiliones (Elpino-Campos et al 2001, Osses et al 2008, Pereira et al 2004), Scorpiones (Mineo et al 2003), Ricinulei (García et al 2015), Schizomida (Oliveira and Ferreira 2014) and Thelyphonida (Punzo 2000). There are also few works on Amblypygi, including a study on Charinus asturius Pinto-da-Rocha, Machado and Weygoldt, 2002 (Pinto-da-Rocha et al 2002), and two papers on Heterophrynus sp.…”