Circadian Rhythm in the Locomotor Activity of a Surface-Dwelling Millipede Syngalobolus sp.

Abstract

Locomotor activity of the surface-dwelling millipede Syngalobolus sp. was recorded under laboratory conditions. Infra-red diodes were used to detect the locomotor activity in an oval shaped chamber, which was connected with an event recorder. The results of 11 individuals showed that the millipedes entrained to light/dark (LD12:12 h) conditions with negative phase angle difference (-83.2 +/- 24.72 min). The millipedes showed a clear-cut free-running rhythm with a period (tau) of 23.8 +/- 1.0 h (n = 9) in constant darkness (DD). The period in continuous light (LL) was relatively greater (25.2 +/- 0.1 h; n = 3) than that in DD.