Central projections of the wing afferents in the hawkmoth, Agrius convolvuli

摘要: Abstract Flight behaviors in various insect species are closely correlated with their mechanical and neuronal properties. Compared to locusts flies which have been intensively studied, moths “intermediate” properties terms of the neurogenic muscle activations, power generation by indirect muscles, two-winged-insect-like flapping behavior. Despite these unique characteristics, little is known about mechanisms flight control moths. We investigated projections wing mechanosensory afferents central nervous system (CNS) hawkmoth, Agrius convolvuli , because proprioceptive feedback has an essential role for would be presumably optimized species. conducted anterograde staining nine afferent nerves from fore- hindwings. All projected into prothoracic, mesothoracic metathoracic ganglia (TG1, 2 3) had ascending fibers head ganglia. Prominent projection areas TG1–3 suboesophageal ganglion (SOG) were common between forewing, hindwing contralateral forewing afferents, suggesting that information different wings converged at multiple levels coordinating flapping. On other hand, differences observed especially tegulae TG1 anterior nerve TGs SOG, reflect functional corresponding mechanoreceptors on each wing. Afferents comprising groups campaniform sensilla bases prominent pathways resembling head–neck motor gaze flies. Double or neck motoneurons also indicated potential connectivity them. Our results suggest roles provide anatomical basis further understanding