In this work we studied the shelter selection behavior of the amphipod Ampithoe valida when exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). In the short term (hours), individuals of both sexes preferred shelters that offered protection against UVR, while in the middle term, after 5 days of exposure, only females maintained this behavior, while males showed a variable response, probably related to their greater natural mobility. Accumulation of dietary-acquired photoprotective compounds did not alter amphipod shelter selection, indicating that seeking shelter prevails as an important strategy for protection from harmful levels of UVR, even when other photoprotective mechanisms are available.
The article was published in the journal Aquatic Ecology.
Complete reference
Blum, R., Valiñas, M.S. 2022. Shelter selection by intertidal amphipods: the role of UVR and photoprotective compounds. Aquatic Ecology. In Press.
Funding
This work was funded by Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Fundación Playa Unión.