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Buehlmann2020_Article_MultimodalInteractionsInInsect.pdf (2.53 MB)

Multimodal interactions in insect navigation

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posted on 2023-06-07, 06:51 authored by Cornelia BuehlmannCornelia Buehlmann, Michael Mangan, Paul GrahamPaul Graham
Animals travelling through the world receive input from multiple sensory modalities that could be important for the guidance of their journeys. Given the availability of a rich array of cues, from idiothetic information to input from sky compasses and visual information through to olfactory and other cues (e.g. gustatory, magnetic, anemotactic or thermal) it is no surprise to see multimodality in most aspects of navigation. In this review, we present the current knowledge of multimodal cue use during orientation and navigation in insects. Multimodal cue use is adapted to a species’ sensory ecology and shapes navigation behaviour both during the learning of environmental cues and when performing complex foraging journeys. The simultaneous use of multiple cues is beneficial because it provides redundant navigational information, and in general, multimodality increases robustness, accuracy and overall foraging success. We use examples from sensorimotor behaviours in mosquitoes and flies as well as from large scale navigation in ants, bees and insects that migrate seasonally over large distances, asking at each stage how multiple cues are combined behaviourally and what insects gain from using different modalities.

Funding

Brains on Board: Neuromorphic Control of Flying Robots; G1980; EPSRC-ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL; EP/P006094/1

Visual navigation in ants: from visual ecology to brain; G2263; BBSRC-BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL; BB/R005036/1

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Animal Cognition

ISSN

1435-9448

Publisher

Springer

Volume

23

Page range

1129-1141

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2020-04-24

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2020-04-24

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2020-04-23

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