Characterizing Locust Anemotaxis: The Impact of Sensory Perturbations on Flight Behavior

<p>This thesis investigates the effects of sensory perturbations on locust flight behavior, with the goal of better understanding how locusts integrate multiple sensory inputs to maintain flight control. Through a series of experiments, locusts were subjected to visual impairment, turbulent wind conditions, mechanical impairments of their wings and antennae, and pheromonal interference. These perturbations allowed for the exploration of the contributions each sensory pathway makes to flight stability and navigation in a controlled environment.</p> <p>Results show that while visual impairment does not significantly impact average flight speed, it increases variability in flight stability, suggesting that visual cues are important for maintaining consistent speed. Turbulent wind conditions significantly disrupted both the synchronization of front wings and the stability of flight speed, highlighting the front wings' role in compensating for environmental disturbances. Mechanical impairment of the wings caused an increase in flight speed regardless of which wing was impaired, demonstrating the locust's ability to maintain synchronization between wings. Antennae impairment resulted in increased movement of the treated antenna, though possible damage following removal of the impairment suggests antenna sensitivity to mechanical loads. Lastly, pheromonal interference revealed that a generalized relationship exists where the movement of a front locust results in rotation in a rear locust, with a notable falloff in this interaction beyond 2 cm of horizontal proximity; however, it remains inconclusive whether the rear locust is repelled by or attracted to the front locust.</p> <p>Overall, these findings provide insights into the complex integration of sensory inputs that locusts rely on for flight. Understanding these mechanisms may aid in the development of biomimetic robots and offer potential strategies for mitigating the impact of locust swarms on agriculture.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biomedical Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2024

Author dc:creator

• Huang, Yi-Xiao

Contributors dc:contributor

• Barani Raman
• Shantanu Chakrabartty, Srikanth Singamaneni

• locust flight anemotaxis sensory perturbation
• Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering
• Engineering

Statement dc:rights

• I have not registered my thesis with the U.S. Copyright Office, and do not intend to.

Language dc:language

English (en)

Identifier

https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/eng_etds/1112

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openscholarship.wustl.edu:eng_etds-2188