EFFECTS OF CIRCUM-ESOPHAGEAL LESION ON THE BEHAVIOR OF THE STICK INSECT CARAUSIUS-MOROSUS .1. CYCLIC BEHAVIOR PATTERNS

The isolation of the ventral nerve cord by circum-oesophageal nerve lesion produces a preparation which is capable of walking and righting itself when placed on its back. The body tonus is indistinguishable from that of an intact animal. However, the operation produces a two component behaviour pattern when the resting state is interrupted by a very light tactile stimulus. The animal then performs a series of twitching movements or momentary increases in tonus. This is followed by a brief walking episode of some 20-30 steps. The twitching and walking sequences as a successive pair may be repeated several times without further stimulation. These behaviour patterns are examined as a function of time, temperature and external stimulation. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.