A circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in newly emerged Ceratophyllus sciurorum

Med Vet Entomol. 1997 Jul;11(3):213-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.1997.tb00398.x.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Larva
  • Motor Activity*
  • Pupa
  • Sciuridae / parasitology*
  • Siphonaptera / growth & development
  • Siphonaptera / physiology*
  • Software