Relative roles of resource stimulus and vegetation architecture on the paths of flies foraging for fruit

摘要: Many animals use their perceptual abilities to orient and locate resources in architecturally complex environments. However, it is not well known how the strength of a stimulus source affects geometry animal movement We mapped 3D vegetation architecture four apple trees varying morphology age recorded paths maggot flies Rhagoletis pomonella foraging for artificial fruit. compared observed with one obtained from random walk model on graph estimate both 1) attraction radius fruit 2) relative roles flies. The maximal distance at which biases individuals measures strong this bias is. Plant architectural complexity defined according foliage density its distribution within canopy. A single induces path orientation an insect that large distance, tree volume, but has no effect step length moves. plant makes minor contribution defining sphere attraction, strength. Conditional visiting location, plays role presence Our findings show environment can alter sensory information, important implications movements importance our results dispersal considered.