Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

Motor activity and trajectory control during escape jumping in the locust Locusta migratoria

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Roger Santer, Dr Claire RindORCiD, Dr Peter Simmons

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

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.


Publication metadata

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

Altmetrics provided by Altmetric


Share