Summary
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1.
A behavioral analysis aided by video tape recordings was used to localize the vibration receptors important to the detection of prey by the surface dwelling bugNotonecta undulata.
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One group of receptors necessary for the detection of prey is located in the pro- and mesothoracic legs. The critical receptors are probably located at or near the tibio-femoral joint (Pigs. 4 and 7). The receptors located at the tibio-tarsal joint are not required for prey localization (Fig. 3).
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3.
Another group of receptors important to the orientation behaviour is located at the tip of the abdomen. These consist of mechanoreceptive hairs located along the margins of the three most posterior segments and on the genitalia (Figs. 6 and 7).
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References
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Dr. David Bentley and Dy Mistick kindly read drafts of these manuscripts and provided very helpful comments. Dr. J. P. Hegmann and Dr. G. Gussin provided very helpful comments on data analysis. Dave Brown and Tim Dennis provided technical assistance.
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Murphey, R.K., Mendenhall, B. Localization of receptors controlling orientation to prey by the back swimmerNotonecta undulata . J. Comp. Physiol. 84, 19–30 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00694144
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00694144