ABSTRACT
Temperature and photophase effects on reproductive patterns were studied experimentally in two oniscid isopod species: Armadillo officinalis (Armadillidae), an iteroparous species and Schizidium tiberianum (Armadillidiidae), a semelparous species. The photophase conditions ranged from total darkness to 10 hr, 14 hr and continuous light at both 17°C and 23°C. These were compared with normal reproductive pattern in the field. All experimental conditions disrupt normal reproductive patterns in both species by affecting the time tables of oogenesis, as well as the numbers of oocytes, eggs and mancas. Consequently, oogenesis was shorter in both species resulting in early manca release, and oosorption appeared responsible for a decline in both marsupial egg and manca numbers. In Armadillo no marsupial formation took place at low temperature regardless of the photophase.
