ABSTRACT
Illumination and light spectrum have the most diverse effects on animals. However, their role in the development of amphibian larvae has been little studied. This study is aimed to study the effects of illumination and light spectrum on the growth and development of Pelophylax ridibundus larvae. The study has been conducted in experimental conditions. Roe has been obtained from a natural reservoir from one clutch. The larvae have been placed in aquariums and had been grown before the appearance of juveniles under illumination from 0 to 2400 lx in different spectrum colours (from red to blue). It has turned out that a wide range of illumination (from 3 to 2400 lx) has a positive effect. On the contrary, the larvae mortality and the duration of the larval development and metamorphosis climax increased in conditions of round-the-clock darkness. The tadpoles growth increases while the duration of the larval development reduces compared to the control (normal lighting) under blue light. The length and mass of the larvae decrease under red illumination compared with the control. Mechanisms of the possible light influence on Pelophylax ridibundus are discussed.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.