The effect of temperature on the behaviour of the infective larvae of Trichostrongylus colubriformis.
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.
D007814:Larva / Q000502:physiology; D009068:Movement; D013696:Temperature; D014251:Trichostrongyloidea / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology