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.
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Abbreviations
- FPS:
-
Frames per second
- emg:
-
Electromyogram
- FETi:
-
Fast extensor tibiae motor neuron
- SETi:
-
Slow extensor tibiae motor neuron
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Acknowledgements
Supported by the BBSRC (Grant 13/S17899), and a JSPS visiting fellowship to YY. The experiments described in this manuscript comply with the ‘Principles of animal care’, publication No. 86-23 revised 1985, of the National Institute of Health and also with the current laws of the UK.
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Santer, R.D., Yamawaki, Y., Rind, F.C. et al. Motor activity and trajectory control during escape jumping in the locust Locusta migratoria . J Comp Physiol A 191, 965–975 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-005-0023-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-005-0023-3