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Depressant Effect of Moonlight on Activity of Aquatic Insects

Nature volume 209, pages 319–320 (1966)Cite this article

Abstract

INVESTIGATIONS by Waters1, Müller2–5, and Wickett6 have conclusively demonstrated the diurnal periodicity of downstream drift of aquatic insects and other invertebrates. Prior to these investigations, Moon7 had shown that the nocturnal activity of aquatic insects is much greater than that observed during the day. Very little data are available to demonstrate whether these activity-levels are circadian rhythms or whether they are a direct response to the level of light intensity. Beeton8 observed a depression of the vertical migration of the freshwater shrimp, Mysis relicta, due to increased moonlight. Waters1 suggested that the magnitude of the nocturnal drift rate may be, in part, a function of moonlight. The following data appear to support Waters's contention.

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References

  1. Waters, T. F., Ecology, 43, 316 (1962).

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  2. Müller, K., Naturwiss., 5, 161 (1963).

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  3. Müller, K., Nature, 198, 806 (1963).

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  6. Wickett, H. P., Amer. Fish. Soc. Tech. Sessions Abstract, Paper No. 17 (1963).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon

    N. H. ANDERSON

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  1. N. H. ANDERSON
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ANDERSON, N. Depressant Effect of Moonlight on Activity of Aquatic Insects. Nature 209, 319–320 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1038/209319a0

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