Physiological tolerances of the euterrestrial amphipod Arcitalitrus dorrieni (Hunt) as a key to its geographical distribution? A test using mesocosms

An experimental approach was taken to examine the physiological tolerances that may determine the distribution of the euterrestrial amphipod Arcitalitrus dorrieni, a native of Australia which has established itself in the UK over the last 100 years. Two experiments using mesocosms were carried out over consecutive winters to examine the effects of low temperature and leaf litter sodium content on survival. The role of the microhabitat in buffering environmental temperature was also investigated. It was concluded that A. dorrieni may be prevented from colonising areas of Britain by the effects on populations of low winter temperatures and low habitat sodium concentration. There is considerable buffering of environmental temperatures by the leaf litter and soil layers of the microhabitat, and consequently, mortality of A. dorrieni is related to the depth of microhabitat available for it to utilise in avoiding low temperatures.