Die larvalen Tympanalorgane der Wanderheuschrecke Locusta migratoria migratorioides (R. und F.) (Orthoptera; Acrididae)1, 2

Abstract

AbstractThe larval tympanal organs in the African Migratory Locust. After a short introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal tympanal organs in the African Migratory Locust Locusta migratoria migratorioides (R. and F.), the postembryonic development of these organs during the five instars is described. The parts of the tympanal organ (the integumental parts, the auditory ganglion = Müller's organ, the tympanal air sacs and the tympanal musculature) are at least from the third instar hopper onwards in a morphological condition that enables the hopper to receive sounds. This fact is supported by the results of electrophysiological investigations. In this connection it must be mentioned that hoppers produce perceptible sounds while marching or chewing. Thus auditory stimuli may play a role in the behaviour of gregarious hoppers, e. g. of hopper bands marching by night.