Light pulse effect on the locomotor activity rhythm of Talitrus saltator (Montagu) (Crustacea, Amphipoda)

The locomotor activity rhythm of the sandhopper Talitrus saltator (Amphipoda Talitridae) was investigated in Madfoun beach. The rhythm was monitored in individual and group animals during 21days at constant temperature. During the first two weeks, animals were kept under light-dark cycle (d1-d7) and constant darkness (d8-d14). Light pulses of 2 h were applied, at the end of the experimental night, during the first 3days of the third week (d15-d18). Then, constant darkness was restored for the rest of the experiment (d19-d21). Results revealed that Talitrus saltator individuals as well as groups concentrated their activities in experimental night under light-dark cycle and in the presence of pulses; whereas, a clear drift of activity is observed under constant darkness. Periodogram analysis showed the presence of circadian component whatever the recording type. An ultradian period was revealed in individual recording whatever the regimen, while for groups, this component appeared only under nLD cycle. Furthermore, the locomotor rhythm is more defined under nLD cycle for individuals and in constant darkness for groups.