Effects of diet composition on cold adaptation in temperate collembola

Abstract

1. 1. The effects of diet composition on initiation and termination of cold hardiness in the temperate collembolan species Orchesella einem (L.) was studied in relation to reproductive activity. 2. 2. Induction of cold hardiness was not related to the induction of reproductive diapause. 3. 3. The degree of achieved cold hardiness was proportional to the nitrogen availability in the food, while reproductive activity ceased independently of the food source. 4. 4. At the termination of cold hardiness a negative relation between reproductive activity and cold hardiness was found. 5. 5. Growth of juveniles was proportional to the nitrogen availability in the food. At the induction of cold hardiness, juveniles had an overall lower growth rate than at the termination of cold hardiness.