Continuous breeding in two rare, fossorial, oniscid isopod species from the Central Negev Desert

In the present study the reproductive patterns in the laboratory of two isopodspecies inhabiting the Negev desert are described. The species are: Porcellio olivieri Aud. et Sav., and Agabiformius obtuses nov., (Porcellionidae). Due to their secretive, fossorial habits, these species are rarely found except for brief periods in mid-winter when they can be seen under stones in certain areas of the Central Negev. The species are iteroparous, and bred in the laboratory almost continuously. In the laboratory P. olivieri matures within its first year, and lives for at least four more years. Agabiformius obtuses matures when about 3-months-old and breeds up to seven times during its short life span of about 1 year.