Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 April 2009
The effect of temperature on the behaviour of the infective larvae of Trichostrongylus colubriformis has been investigated. Larvae acclimatized at 3°C or 20°C respond to sudden or gradual increases in temperature by coiling. Increased temperature may indicate a risk of exposure to desiccation and elicits a behavioural response which optimizes survival. Larvae are straight when inactive; coiling is an active response to specific stimuli. Larval activity is initiated by exogenous stimuli. Mechanical disturbance is a major stimulus, the response being affected by changes in temperature. Larvae acclimatized at 3°C or 20°C show a peak of activity at temperatures between 15 and 25°C.