G.P. Stamou describes the adaptive strategies that allow arthropods to cope with the severity of Mediterranean environments. After an introduction to the structure and function of Mediterranean-type ecosystems, ecophysiological adaptations to water stress and varying temperature are considered. Further, activity patterns and life cycle tactics are discussed in relation to the peculiarity of Mediterranean environments. Phenological patterns and population dynamics as well as community structures are also presented. The volume ends with a synthesis of life history tactics.

I Introduction

1.1 The Mediterranean Climate
1.2 Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems
2 Water Balance in Mediterranean Arthropods
2.1 Water Relations
2.2 Components of Water Balance
2.3 The Dynamics of Water Relations
2.4 Adaptation to Moisture Variations
2.5 Responses of Arthropods to Environmental Extremes
3 Respiratory Metabolism
3.1 Respiration and Weight
3.2 Respiratory Response to Varying Temperature
3.3 Acclimation to Constant Temperature
4 Activity Patterns
4.1 Daily Patterns
4.2 Seasonal Patterns
4.3 Feeding Activity
4.4 Oviposition Patterns
4.5 The Joint Effect of Temperature and Humidity on Feeding Activity and Demography
5 Life Cycle Tactics and Development
5.1 Life History Characteristics
5.2 Synchronisation Tactics
5.3 Life Cycle Development
6 Phenological Patterns
6.1 Modelling Phenological Patterns
6.2 Numerical Responses of Microarthropods
6.3 Numerical Responses of Macroarthropods
6.4 Numerical Responses to Environmental Disasters
7 Community Structure
7.1 The Composition of Arthropod Communities
7.2 Seasonal Variations in Numbers
7.3 Spatial Patterns
7.4 Community Structures Induced by Human Practices
7.5 The Biotic Correlates of Habitat Selection
8 Synthesis
Reference
Species Index.