A circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in newly emerged Ceratophyllus sciurorum |
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Authors: | FRANK CLARK,DEREK DEADMAN,MALCOLM GREENWOOD,KIM Sø HOLT LARS EN |
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Affiliation: | Department of Zoology;department of Economics, University of Leicester, U.K.;Department of Geography, Loughborough University of Technology, U.K.;Danish Pest Infestation Laboratory, Denmark |
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Abstract: | Abstract Circadian rhythm in newly emerged individuals of the Red Squirrel ( Scuirus vulgaris ) flea C.s. sciurorum was studied in a constant environment, using an insect activity monitor. Trials were run over 7 days using two start times (08.00 and 17.00 hours). The results show that, regardless of start time, the fleas display a 24 h activity rhythm. The presence of a rhythm under constant conditions gives a strong indication that C. s.sciurorum has a self-sustaining clock which is started by disturbance and is most likely to be linked to host activity patterns. |
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Keywords: | Ceratophylus sciurorum sciurorum Siphonaptera circadian rhythm. |
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