Spatial activity and sheltering behaviour of terrestrial isopods (Isopoda, Oniscidea): a field experiment

A field study of spatial activity and sheltering behaviour of terrestrial isopods was carried out using <i>Porcellioscaber</i> and <i>Armadillidiumversicolor</i>, two model species of woodlice. Individuals of both species were colour-marked and released into an area with artificial shelters, and their behaviour was then observed for several days. Vagility of both species was found to be similar; their dispersal ability was measured to be at least 1.1 m/h. The number of animals recaptured declined over time as they left the field-experiment area. The provided shelters were found to be unevenly inhabited both in relation to their position and the time elapsed since the beginning of the experiment. Nocturnal activity (night and dawn) of both species was confirmed.