Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Roger Santer, Dr Claire RindORCiD, Dr Peter Simmons
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
We investigated the escape jumps that locusts produce in response to approaching objects. Hindleg muscular activity during an escape jump is similar to that during a defensive kick. Locusts can direct their escape jumps up to 50°either side of the direction of their long axis at the time of hindleg flexion, allowing them to consistently jump away from the side towards which an object is approaching. Variation in jump trajectory is achieved by rolling and yawing movements of the body that are controlled by the fore- and mesothoracic legs. During hindleg flexion, a locust flexes the foreleg ipsilateral to its eventual jump trajectory and then extends the contralateral foreleg. These foreleg movements continue throughout co-contraction of the hindleg tibial muscles, pivoting the locust's long axis towards its eventual jump trajectory. However, there are no bilateral differences in the motor programs of the left and right hindlegs that correlate with jump trajectory. Foreleg movements enable a locust to control its jump trajectory independent of the hindleg motor program, allowing a decision on jump trajectory to be made after the hindlegs have been cocked in preparation for a jump. © Springer-Verlag 2005.
Author(s): Santer RD, Yamawaki Y, Rind FC, Simmons PJ
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology
Year: 2005
Volume: 191
Issue: 10
Pages: 965-975
Print publication date: 01/10/2005
ISSN (print): 0340-7594
ISSN (electronic): 1432-1351
Publisher: Springer
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00359-005-0023-3
DOI: 10.1007/s00359-005-0023-3
PubMed id: 16044332
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric
