REGULATION OF BODY FLUID COMPARTMENTS DURING DEHYDRATION OF THE TENEBRIONID BEETLE RHYTINOTA PRAELONGA

Tenebrionid beetles are an important element of the fauna on the African dry savanna. In contrast to the majority of savanna insect groups, which spend the dry season as larvae, the tenebrionids pass the dry season as adults. The adult tenebrionids probably feed on dry plant material and detritus (Louw and Seely, 1982), and they may undergo severe dehydration during the dry season (authors9 observation), probably because of their limited access to water.