ON THE LUNAR ORIENTATION OF SANDHOPPERS (AMPHIPODA TALITRIDAE)

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Under the action of appropiate releasing stimuli the amphipid, Talitrus saltator, is capable of orienting by the position of the moon in a relatively constant azimuth. This ability functions for 10 or more hours of captivity in constant darkness. Direction of escape and degree of scatter are not noticeably influenced by repeated photo-bulb flashes. Additional evidence supports the hypothesis that the lunar orientation of Talitrus is based upon a continuously operating lunar physiological rhythm. The hypothesis of a single cycle night-time orientation rhythm, advanced for Orchestidea corniculata, does not seem applicable to Talitrus saltator.