Slaters also show a sensitivity to light. When exposed to large quantities of direct light they display a behavioural adaptation of a negative Phototaxis response. This means that they move away from the stimuli-light source. As the light source becomes greater, the speed/rate at which the slater moves away from the stimuli becomes faster. This is because like dry conditions, high light intensities suggest a lack of humidity and low moisture levels which the Slaters must avoid to prevent desiccation. Due to this response they have developed a physiological adaptation of becoming nocturnal, remaining hidden in there burrows during the day, and only venturing out of their shelter to collect food during dark hours[8]. During day light hours the sun is out and radiating heat, meaning the occurrence of desiccation increases substantially. Therefore they have developed the behavioural response of a negative Phototaxis, and in turn the physiological adaptation of becoming a nocturnal species, as they are sensitive to light due to the low humidity and dryness that often relates with it and brings about desiccation.
Reproduction.
Slaters are part of the Ispopoda order, meaning that the males have adapted a penis surrounded by genital protection[8], whilst the Females who lack the genital projections may instead have developed a yellowish brood pouch containing eggs or young at the posterior end of the abdomen[1]. During sexual reproduction the male penis is inserted into the females gonopore, where the sperm is then transferred to the structurally modified second pleopod. The sperm is stored in a seminal receptacle, a swelling on the oviduct. Fertilization can only take place when the eggs are shed soon after a moult, when the connection is established between the seminal receptacle and the oviduct. The eggs remain within the brood chamber/marsupium on the underside of the female which is filled with water[8].
