The assimilation of heavy metals by Lithobius variegatus and Glomeris marginata (Chilopoda; Diplopoda)

Specimens of the centipede Lithobius variegatus and the millipede Glomeris marginata collected from uncontaminated sites, and sites contaminated with heavy metals, have been fed on tissues from the terrestrial isopod Oniscus asellus and leaf litter, respectively, containing different concentrations of zinc, cadmium, lead and copper. The extent to which these elements are accumulated by Lithobius variegatus or Glomeris marginata depends on the amounts of metals in the food and the degree of contamination of the site from which the centipedes and millipedes are collected. The tissues within the body where metals are stored are compared in the two animals and suggestions are made of the areas which are in most need of further research.