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Static electric fields modify the locomotory behaviour of cockroaches

Static electric fields modify the locomotory behaviour of cockroaches
Static electric fields modify the locomotory behaviour of cockroaches
Static electric fields are found throughout the environment and there is growing interest in how electric fields influence insect behaviour. Here we have analysed the locomotory behaviour of cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) in response to static electric fields at levels equal to and above those found in the natural environment. Walking behaviour (including velocity, distance moved,turn angle and time spent walking) were analysed as cockroaches approached an electric field boundary in an open arena, and
also when continuously exposed to an electric field. On approaching an electric field boundary, the greater the electric field strength the more likely a cockroach would be to turn away from, or be repulsed by, the electric field. Cockroaches completely exposed to electric fields showed significant changes in locomotion by covering less distance, walking slowly and turning more often. This study highlights the importance of electric fields on the normal locomotory behaviour of insects.
0022-0949
2020-2026
Jackson, C.W.
ab14e7be-1b25-4425-9e8f-6ccee5b984a8
Hunt, Edmund
7ca45baa-8373-4fcd-bf1a-f224adf86a7a
Sharkh, S.M.
c8445516-dafe-41c2-b7e8-c21e295e56b9
Newland, P.L.
7a018c0e-37ba-40f5-bbf6-49ab0f299dbb
Jackson, C.W.
ab14e7be-1b25-4425-9e8f-6ccee5b984a8
Hunt, Edmund
7ca45baa-8373-4fcd-bf1a-f224adf86a7a
Sharkh, S.M.
c8445516-dafe-41c2-b7e8-c21e295e56b9
Newland, P.L.
7a018c0e-37ba-40f5-bbf6-49ab0f299dbb

Jackson, C.W., Hunt, Edmund, Sharkh, S.M. and Newland, P.L. (2011) Static electric fields modify the locomotory behaviour of cockroaches. Journal of Experimental Biology, 214, 2020-2026. (doi:10.1242/jeb.053470).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Static electric fields are found throughout the environment and there is growing interest in how electric fields influence insect behaviour. Here we have analysed the locomotory behaviour of cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) in response to static electric fields at levels equal to and above those found in the natural environment. Walking behaviour (including velocity, distance moved,turn angle and time spent walking) were analysed as cockroaches approached an electric field boundary in an open arena, and
also when continuously exposed to an electric field. On approaching an electric field boundary, the greater the electric field strength the more likely a cockroach would be to turn away from, or be repulsed by, the electric field. Cockroaches completely exposed to electric fields showed significant changes in locomotion by covering less distance, walking slowly and turning more often. This study highlights the importance of electric fields on the normal locomotory behaviour of insects.

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2011-Jackson,_Hunt,_Sharkh,_Newland_-_The_Journal_of_Experimental_Biology-_Electric_field_modifies_behaviour_of_cockroaches.pdf - Version of Record
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Published date: 15 June 2011
Organisations: Mechatronics

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 203817
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/203817
ISSN: 0022-0949
PURE UUID: b762fba2-e92f-4b95-af63-3e1bced41743
ORCID for S.M. Sharkh: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0001-7335-8503
ORCID for P.L. Newland: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-4124-8507

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Date deposited: 22 Nov 2011 10:35
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 02:58

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Contributors

Author: C.W. Jackson
Author: Edmund Hunt
Author: S.M. Sharkh ORCID iD
Author: P.L. Newland ORCID iD

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