Periodicities in Calliphora stygia (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Abstract

This study has investigated the temporal organization of a blowfly species, and the relationship of this to its life cycle and seasonal periodicities; Daily locomotor rhythms and diurnally repeated eclosion rhythms are both shown to be controlled by an endogenous timing mechanism with the properties of a circadian oscillator. In both cases the natural light cycle (and experimental LD cycles) are responsible for entraining and synchronizing these rhythms. A distinct seasonal periodicity is not present, nor does a photoperiodic response to long or short-days appear to be necessary in this species in Auckland. Instead seasonal life cycle duration and turnover is temperature regulated and subject to the effects of growth retardation (including possible quiescence) during the winter months.