title: The effect of temperature on the behaviour of the infective larvae of Trichostrongylus colubriformis.
abstract: The effect of temperature on the behaviour of the infective larvae of Trichostrongylus colubriformis has been investigated. Larvae acclimatized at 3 degrees C or 20 degrees C respond to sudden or gradual increases in temperature by coiling. Increased temperature may indicate a risk of exposure to desiccation and elicits a behavioural response which optimizes survival. Larvae are straight when inactive; coiling is an active response to specific stimuli. Larval activity is initiated by exogenous stimuli. Mechanical disturbance is a major stimulus, the response being affected by changes in temperature. Larvae acclimatized at 3 degrees C or 20 degrees C show a peak of activity at temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees C.
mesh_terms: D007814:Larva / Q000502:physiology; D009068:Movement; D013696:Temperature; D014251:Trichostrongyloidea / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology