[Sand-desert tenebrionid beetle Trigonoscelis gigas reitter: a promising biological model for space chronobiology]. / Pustynnyi zhuk-chernotelka Trigonoscelis gigas reitter: perspektivnyi bioob''ekt dlia kosmicheskoi khronobiologii.

The beetle proposed for studying has a unique feature: unusually precise and reliable circadian clock that evolved as an advanced adaptation to extreme arid environment. Consequently this clock became functionally similar to that of vertebrates, i.e. it has a narrow range of entrainment, stable free-running period, strong endogenous component of rhythm. This beetle is also using due to its high viability, good tolerance to housing and handling, small size and safety in use. Space flight experiments with beetles on BION, PHOTON satellites and on MIR orbital station proved that parameters of circadian rhythms are dependent upon gravity. Future studies will focus on electrophysiology and comparative ecology of these beetles. This biological species together with developed methods represent a new promising technology of research in gravitational chronobiology.

Response of insect activity rhythms to altered gravitational environments.

NASA: Researchers describe the development of the Beetle Activity Monitor (BAM), constructed to support an experiment with the desert beetle, Trigonoscelis gigas, proposed for the NASA-Mir program. The BAM tracks beetle movement via a wheel which turns as the animal moves in the cage. In addition to design features that conform to shuttle specifications and animal housing standards, it holds a maximum number of animals, allows for continuous recording of activity, and provides a controlled lighting environment. An experiment with 32 beetles collected data in 5-minute increments for animals exposed to constant darkness and 12-hour light-dark periods. Results of this experiment indicate that the light-dark cycle entrained the beetle circadian rhythm.^ieng