Accession Number:

ADA171911

Title:

Antifreeze Production and Cold-Tolerance in Overwintering Purple Martin Fleas, Ceratophyllus idius Jordan and Rothschild.

Descriptive Note:

Doctoral thesis,

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH

Personal Author(s):

• Schelhaas,Douglas P.

Report Date:

1986-08-01

Pagination or Media Count:

141.0

Abstract:

Ceratophyllus idius is an ectoparasite of purple martins Progne subis and commonly inhabits the nest material of these birds. In the Upper Midwest, purple martins migrate in late August and return in mid- or late April. Despite the hosts absence and harsh northern winters, a portion of the adult flea population survives to reinfest returning birds. This study was designed to 1 examine the possible roles of sorbitol and trehalose as biological antifreezes 2 confirm the role of glycerol as an antifreeze 3 monitor glycogen and glycerol levels and supercooling points from autumn until spring 4 determine the temperature stimulus triggering glycerol synthesis 5 determine if glycerol production is reversible 6 monitor flea survival and 7 compare sexes in the above mentioned areas.

Descriptors:

• *COLD WEATHER
• *TOLERANCES(PHYSIOLOGY)
• *ANTIFREEZES
• *SIPHONAPTERA
• THESES
• SURVIVAL(GENERAL)
• WINTER
• CONCENTRATION(COMPOSITION)
• BIRDS
• WEIGHT REDUCTION
• SUPERCOOLING
• SEX
• GLUCOSE
• HOSTS(BIOLOGY)
• BIOASSAY
• GLYCEROLS
• ECTOPARASITES
• CRYOPROTECTIVE AGENTS
• GLYCOGEN
• CRYOBIOLOGY
• TREHALOSE

Subject Categories:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Stress Physiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE