NEW MODEL DESCRIBING THE COORDINATION PATTERN OF THE LEGS OF A WALKING STICK INSECT

A computer (Fortran) model is proposed that describes the temporal and spatial coordination pattern of straight walking stick insects (Carausius morosus) for a broad speed range. It provides a stable pattern independent of the different starting positions. The model is based on six relaxation oscillators. The leading oscillator corresponds to a frontleg. Therefore the information flow runs from front to rear in contrast to earlier models (Graham, 1972; Wendler, 1968). © 1979 Springer-Verlag.