Altered locomotory behavior in woodlice (Oniscus asellus(L.)) collected at a polluted site

The locomotory behavior of woodlice (Oniscus asellus (L.)) collected along a gradient of pollution from a plastics fire was quantified automatically for 4 h in the laboratory employing computer-aided video tracking. Six locomotory parameters were measured and the corresponding individual body metal concentrations determined. Additional woodlice were collected from the same site for total protein and glycogen analyses. Woodlice collected from the litter layer overlying a pyrolyzed plastic layer spent significantly less time in activity, resulting in a walked distance less than 50% of that of woodlice collected from a nearby reference location. Furthermore, a tendency to turn predominantly in either a left or a right direction and a tendency toward a higher discontinuity in moving was found for the woodlice collected on the pyrolyzed plastic. Overall, the aberrant behavior coincided with significantly elevated body concentrations of heavy metals and lowered protein and glycogen levels. The interference of metals with neurological and metabolic processes is discussed in relation to locomotion.