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Journal of Experimental Biology 57,337-346 (1972)
Published by Company of Biologists 1972

The Circadian Rhythm of Flight Activity of the Mosquito Anopheles Gambiae: The Light-Response Rhythm

M. D. R. JONES ¹, C. M. CUBBIN ², and D. MARSH ³

¹ School of Biological Sciences, Brunel University; School of Biological Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, England
² School of Biological Sciences, Brunel University; Department of Insect Pathology, University of California, Berkeley
³ School of Biological Sciences, Brunel University; Imperial College Field Station, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks

1. In sugar-fed A. gambiae females, light may affect flight activity directly or by changing the phase of the circadian rhythm; both responses depend on the phase of the rhythm.

2. The phase-response curve (1 h, 70 lux, signals given in the first cycle in DD following LD 12:12) shows a sharp swing, at about 3 h after normal light-off, from a maximum phase-delay to a maximum phase-advance, each of about 2 h. When signals are given at this time, phase re-setting is very variable; cyclical activity continues but the individuals are out of phase.

3. Phase shifting appears to be a function of the energy of the signal. A 5 min, 70 lux signal has no apparent effect. The effect of a 1 h signal increases with intensity, up to at least 500 lux, but does not appear to be significant below 10 lux.

4. Light normally inhibits flight activity, but there is a burst of activity at light-on (light-on response) if it occurs during the active half of the cycle following the initial activity peak. A vigorous light-on response occurs even at the lowest intensity used (0.3 lux).