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J Exp Biol

Title:		Visual stimuli induced by self-motion and object-motion modify odour-guided flight of male moths (Manduca sexta L.)
Author(s):		Verspui R; Gray JR;
Address:		"Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 5E2"
Journal Title:		J Exp Biol
Year:		2009
Volume:		212
Issue:		Pt 20
Page Number:		3272 - 3282
DOI:		10.1242/jeb.031591
ISSN/ISBN:		1477-9145 (Electronic) 0022-0949 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Animals rely on multimodal sensory integration for proper orientation within their environment. For example, odour-guided behaviours often require appropriate integration of concurrent visual cues. To gain a further understanding of mechanisms underlying sensory integration in odour-guided behaviour, our study examined the effects of visual stimuli induced by self-motion and object-motion on odour-guided flight in male M. sexta. By placing stationary objects (pillars) on either side of a female pheromone plume, moths produced self-induced visual motion during odour-guided flight. These flights showed a reduction in both ground and flight speeds and inter-turn interval when compared with flight tracks without stationary objects. Presentation of an approaching 20 cm disc, to simulate object-motion, resulted in interrupted odour-guided flight and changes in flight direction away from the pheromone source. Modifications of odour-guided flight behaviour in the presence of stationary objects suggest that visual information, in conjunction with olfactory cues, can be used to control the rate of counter-turning. We suggest that the behavioural responses to visual stimuli induced by object-motion indicate the presence of a neural circuit that relays visual information to initiate escape responses. These behavioural responses also suggest the presence of a sensory conflict requiring a trade-off between olfactory and visually driven behaviours. The mechanisms underlying olfactory and visual integration are discussed in the context of these behavioural responses"
Keywords:		"Animals;Animals Behavior, Animal/physiology Cues Female Flight, Animal/*physiology Male Manduca/*physiology *Motion Motion Perception/*physiology *Odorants Orientation/*physiology Smell/physiology Visual Perception/*physiology;"
Notes:		"MedlineVerspui, Remko Gray, John R eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2009/10/06 J Exp Biol. 2009 Oct; 212(Pt 20):3272-82. doi: 10.1242/jeb.031591"