EFFECT OF MALE CALLING ON FEMALE LOCOMOTOR-ACTIVITY OF TELEOGRYLLUS-COMMODUS

The calling song of the ♂-cricket, Teleogryllus commodus, attracts ♀♀ for mating. Both calling and ♀-locomotor activity are under circadian control and the behaviors occur approximately at the same time. Daily playback of calling songs for 3-12 h in constant light failed to entrain ♀-running. Instead, calling acts as an external stimulus which can release ♀-locomotion at any time of the 24-h period, while the clock-induced activity continues to run freely. The stimulatory effect of the calling song causes flexible extension of ♀-locomotor activity, but a subsequent restorative period is necessary. The ecological consequences of acoustical stimulation are discussed. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.