The role of forewing muscles in the control of direction in flying locusts

Abstract

1. Locust forewing muscles were recorded whilst the animal was free to manoeuvre. 2. First and second mesothoracic basalars (depressors) and first and second tergosternal muscles (elevators) show changes in firing patterns associated with turning. 3. The phase between left and right first basalars was subject to large and rapid changes. The phase between left and right first tergosternals changed less markedly. 4. Ipsilateral first and second basalars were not tightly linked in either burst length or phase. 5. Ipsilateral first and second tergosternals were very tightly linked in burst and phase changes. 6. The mesothoracic subalar changed its firing pattern less than any other of the muscles studied. 7. The results are discussed in relation to known pathways in the flight motor system.