Bau und Bewegung der Antennen von Calliphora erythrocephala

Summary

The anatomy of the four antennal joints of Calliphora erythrocephala and their significance in the total movement of the antenna were investigated. Both the head-scapus joint (1) and the funiculus-arista joint (4) are virtually rigid and do not participate in the active movements of the antenna. The pedicellus can be moved actively about two axes in the scapus-pedicellus joint (2), a horizontal and a vertical one. Prior to flight the antenna is raised into flight position by rotating the pedicellus about the horizontal axis of the scapus-pedicellus joint (2). During flight drag from frontal air currents on the arista rotates the funiculus with respect to the pedicellus about the longitudinal axis common to the funiculus and the pedicellus-funiculus joint (3). This passive movement of the funiculus is probably perceived by receptors in the pedicellus: the organ of Johnston and a large sensillum campaniforme. Also during flight the pedicellus is rotated actively about the vertical (second) axis of the scapus-pedicellus joint (2). This active movement is opposite to the passive rotation of the funiculus and thus changes the angle of attack for the air currents acting on the arista.