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Related Experiment Videos

Position around a tree: consequences for pheromone detection.

Ginger L Miller1, Catherine Loudon, Sarah Freed

  • 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045-7534, USA.

Journal of Chemical Ecology
|January 26, 2007
PubMed
Summary
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Male wood cockroaches (Parcoblatta) did not prefer upwind positions on trees when searching for mates, despite fluid dynamics suggesting this would enhance pheromone detection. Pheromone detection occurred at all positions, explaining their even distribution.

Area of Science:

  • Fluid dynamics
  • Animal behavior
  • Chemical ecology

Background:

  • Fluid mechanics predicts distinct airflow patterns around cylindrical objects like trees, with faster flow upwind and slower, recirculating flow downwind.
  • Organisms on tree surfaces may experience varied airflow based on their position, influencing their ability to detect chemical signals.
  • Male wood cockroaches (Parcoblatta) search for females via flight between trees, guided by sex pheromones.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if male wood cockroaches exhibit upwind positioning behavior on trees while searching for sex pheromones.
  • To determine if pheromone detection is position-dependent on a cylindrical surface.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a novel "feather boa" flow visualization technique to assess airflow patterns and cockroach distribution around trees.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Employed a laboratory flow chamber with a bioassay using Bombyx mori wing fanning to test pheromone detectability at different positions.

    • Main Results:

    • Male Parcoblatta were evenly distributed around trees, showing no preference for upwind positions despite steady wind conditions.
    • Pheromone detection was possible from any position on the cylindrical surface, though detection was faster at upwind locations.
    • Bombyx mori moths detected pheromones more rapidly when positioned upwind.

    Conclusions:

    • The even distribution of male Parcoblatta around trees is likely due to pheromone detectability from all positions, not a specific upwind orientation.
    • Findings challenge the assumption that optimal chemical signal detection necessitates positioning in areas of highest airflow speed.