Infrared Sensory Systems in Insects
Abstract
Aim and scope of the project was the investigation of infrared (IR) sensory systems in insects. It was intended to learn more about the principles and mechanisms of uncooled biological IR receptors. Investigations were performed on: (1) two species of 'pyrophilous' jewel beetles (Buprestidae), which show the behaviour to fly to forest fires. (2) Certain bolldsucking busgs (so called Chagas bugs, Reduviidae), which approach their warm blooded hosts at night. The IR sensilla in the metathoracic IR-pit organs of Melanophila-beetles were investigated physiologically and with respect to their ultrastructure and material properties. Results corroborated the so called 'photomechanic model' of IR reception which was suggested in the literature. In the Australian 'fire-beetle' Merumna atrata abdominal IR receptors were discovered which are different from the Melanophila-receptors and function according to a bolometer system. Thermal cues play an important role in host finding behaviour of bloodsucking bugs. However, there was only weak evidence that bugs can perceive IR radiation. In behavioural experiments it was found that Chagas bugs use IR radiation to approach a thermal source and that possible IR receptors most probably are located under the abdominal cuticle. In a biomimetical approach results were utilized to build a prototype of a technical photomechanic IR detector.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 25, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA400282
Entities
People
- Helmut Schmitz
Organizations
- University of Göttingen