Cuticle water activity and water content of beetles and scorpions from xeric and mesic habitats

Abstract

1. 1. Cuticle water activity ( a w) and water content were determined for beetles and scorpions collected from relatively xeric and mesic habitats. 2. 2. The hemolymph-cuticle a w gradient was higher in the species collected from a xeric habitat. 3. 3. Cuticle water contents were significantly lower in scorpions and beetles taken from a xeric habitat.