A circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in newly emerged Ceratophyllus sciurorum.
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.
Clark
F
F
Department of Zoology, University of Leicester, U.K.
Deadman
D
D
Greenwood
M
M
Larsen
K S
KS
D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D007814:Larva; D009043:Motor Activity; D011679:Pupa; D012589:Sciuridae / Q000469:parasitology*; D005423:Siphonaptera / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D012984:Software