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Journal of Experimental Biology 57,347-357 (1972)
Published by Company of Biologists 1972

Light-on Effects and the Question of Bimodality in the Circadian Flight Activity of the Mosquito Anopheles Gambiae

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. The pattern of non-specific flight activity in Anopheles gambiae females appears to be bimodal, with an initial peak followed by about 12 h of secondary activity, with a maximum 6-10 h after the main peak.

2. The secondary activity is more apparent when the activity level is high, and can account for over 60% of the total activity. When D < 12 h activity is curtailed by the inhibitory effect of light, but there may be a minor peak in the light period, 8-9 h after light-off.

3. The main peak normally follows light-off, but is delayed in LD 3:21 and 1:23.

4. There may also be a peak at light-on if it is abrupt and occurs during the active half of the cycle. The peak is not observed if the light-intensity is changed slowly.