Photoperiodic induction of diurnal locomotor activity in <i>Microtus montanus</i>, the montane vole

Abstract

Some microtine species are nocturnal in the summer and diurnal in the winter. This activity shift has been induced in Microtus montanus in the laboratory using photoperiod alone as a cue. The shift from nocturnal to diurnal activity involves modifying the intensity and timing of short activity bouts. This phenomenon may be a mechanism for avoiding harsh microclimates.