THE RELATIONSHIP OF REPRODUCTIVE TEMPERATURE AND THE GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE OF THE MARINE WOODBORER LIMNORIA TRIPUNCTATA

Abstract

1. Experimental results show that Limnoria tripunctata will feed at temperatures ranging from approximately 10° C. to 30° C. The reproductive temperature range appears to be from about 15° C. to 30° C. and the greatest population increase is in the neighborhood of 25° C. Excessive mortality results at 30° C. 2. Gravidity and hence number of young produced depends upon season and does not appear to be immediately modified by the presence of favorable reproductive temperatures. 3. The experimental results agree well with the known geographic range of the species.