BREEDING PATTERNS OF THREE SPECIES OF ARMADILLIDIUM (ISOPODA, ONISCIDEA) FROM TUNISIA

The breeding patterns of Armadillidium sp. from Ichkeul, A. sulcatum from El Feija and A. tunisiense from El Jerissa were studied based on a rearing during 12 months under natural conditions in the laboratory. These populations exhibited a seasonal reproduction. With the exception of A. tunisiense, virgin and isolated females of A. sulcatum and Armadillidium sp. realized a spontaneous vitellogenesis, followed by a parturial moult. The onset of the female's reproduction of Armadillidium sp. and A. sulcatum was accelerated by male presence. The presence of males also extended their reproductive duration. During the breeding season, mated females of the three populations of Armadillidium exhibited a variation in the succession of performed moults and were iteroparous. The mean weight of a population seemed to be the most important determining factor in controlling sexual differentiation and maturity, the gestation period, mean fertility, reproductive allocation, and parental investment.