Immediate Effect of X-Rays on the Movements of Larvæ and Pupæ of Mosquitoes

Abstract

DURING X-ray experiments with larvæ and pupæ of mosquitoes (Culex), irradiated specimens were observed to accelerate their movements immediately after the onset of irradiation. When the irradiationis interrupted, they return at once to normal behaviour. Since we could find no description of the phenomenon, we attempted to study it in detail, as it appeared to constitute an immediate reaction to X-rays.