Defense posture and leg-position learning in a primitive insect utilize catchlike tension

✍ Scribed by Hoyle, Graham ;Field, Laurence H.

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1983
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 931 KB
• Volume: 14
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-3034
• DOI: 10.1002/neu.480140404

✦ Synopsis

The capability for conditioning of leg position, using loud sound as an aversive natural reinforcement, was examined in a primitive New Zealand insect, the weta (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae). Electromyographic recordings were made during the conditioning. A majority of wetas tested came to occupy stably a metathoracic tibia1 position window, coupled to turning off the sound, set in either flexion or extension away from the preferred rest position. Steady tensions of up to 7 g in extension and 5 g in flexion were produced. However, no electromyographic activity accompanied the tension. It is concluded that the insects are using a peripheral catchlike mechanism to adjust posture.