FLYING LOCUST VISUAL RESPONSES IN A RADIAL WIND-TUNNEL

To observe the response of a flying locust to stationary and moving patterns, a new wind tunnel was developed, tested and described. The flying locust, free to yaw and move laterally, is capable of flying stably and in a natural flight posture while fixated on simple visual patterns. Rotational and translational movements were monitored by transducers. Locusts can orientate towards a stripe and near but not directly towards a black-white vertical interface. Removal of visual stimuli by switching off or gradually reducing the pattern illumination resulted in less accurately controlled flight in 92% of trials. Locusts maintained orientation when 1 eye was covered. Locusts responded to moving striped patterns. They could accurately follow speeds ranging from 1.2.degree./s-90.degree./s. Some animals ceased to follow the stripes after a period of time which varied from insect to insect.