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First published online October 2, 2009
Journal of Experimental Biology 212, 3272-3282 (2009)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2009
doi: 10.1242/jeb.031591

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Visual stimuli induced by self-motion and object-motion modify odour-guided flight of male moths (Manduca sexta L.)

Remko Verspui and John R. Gray^*

Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 5E2

^* Author for correspondence (jack.gray{at}usask.ca)

Accepted 16 July 2009

Animals rely on multimodal sensory integration for proper orientation within their environment. For example, odour-guided behaviours often require appropriate integration of concurrent visual cues. To gain a further understanding of mechanisms underlying sensory integration in odour-guided behaviour, our study examined the effects of visual stimuli induced by self-motion and object-motion on odour-guided flight in male M. sexta. By placing stationary objects (pillars) on either side of a female pheromone plume, moths produced self-induced visual motion during odour-guided flight. These flights showed a reduction in both ground and flight speeds and inter-turn interval when compared with flight tracks without stationary objects. Presentation of an approaching 20 cm disc, to simulate object-motion, resulted in interrupted odour-guided flight and changes in flight direction away from the pheromone source. Modifications of odour-guided flight behaviour in the presence of stationary objects suggest that visual information, in conjunction with olfactory cues, can be used to control the rate of counter-turning. We suggest that the behavioural responses to visual stimuli induced by object-motion indicate the presence of a neural circuit that relays visual information to initiate escape responses. These behavioural responses also suggest the presence of a sensory conflict requiring a trade-off between olfactory and visually driven behaviours. The mechanisms underlying olfactory and visual integration are discussed in the context of these behavioural responses.

Key words: vision, olfaction, insect, flight, behaviour, sensory integration

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