Developmental patterns in two populations of the millipede Archispirostreptus syriacus (De Saussure) in Israel (Diplopoda)

Comparison between two populations of the spirostreptid millipede Archispirostreptus syriacus reveals that there are no significant differences in the pattern of development between the xeric population (in Brosh) and the mesic one (in Megiddo). However, there is a difference in the duration of larval stages resulting in higher growth rates in the xeric population than in the mesic one. In Megiddo there are 11 larval stages and maturity is reached at the age of 8 years, following 3 adult stages. In Brosh maturity is reached at the age of 6 years after 12 larval stages, followed by 4 adult stages. Eggs that are laid in Brosh during May are significantly heavier then those laid in Megiddo during July-August. Similarly, there is a significant difference in the caloric value of the eggs from both habitats and probably in their water content as well.