Unexpected features of Drosophila circadian behavioural rhythms under natural conditions

Several key laboratory-based assumptions about fly circadian behavior are not supported by natural observations.

• Flies do not consistently anticipate light transitions in their natural environment.
• The midday 'siesta' behavior observed in the lab is not evident in the wild.
• Crepuscular activity and nocturnal behavior under moonlight differ from laboratory findings.
• Temperature stimuli may have a more significant role than light stimuli in influencing fly behavior.
• A third locomotor component, termed 'A' (afternoon), was identified in addition to the morning and evening oscillators.
• Natural rhythm phenotypes can be replicated in the lab using realistic temperature and light cycle simulations.

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