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A Novel Interception Strategy in a Miniature Robber Fly with Extreme Visual Acuity
Trevor J Wardill1, Samuel T Fabian2, Ann C Pettigrew3
1Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB3 2EG, UK; Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, MBL, 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|March 14, 2017
Summary
Robber flies use a constant bearing angle (CBA) strategy for aerial interception, similar to bats and fish. They also exhibit a unique "lock-on" phase, demonstrating sophisticated sensorimotor control in small brains.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Ecology
- Neuroethology
- Insect Physiology
Background:
- The constant bearing angle (CBA) model describes how animals intercept moving targets using external reference frames.
- This reactive strategy is observed in various taxa, including bats and fish, suggesting a conserved mechanism for target interception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aerial attack strategy of the robber fly, Holcocephala fusca.
- To determine if Holcocephala fusca employs the CBA model and identify any novel interception strategies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of aerial attack trajectories of Holcocephala fusca.
- Characterization of the fly's visual system, including its specialized fovea and object detection thresholds.
Main Results:
- Holcocephala fusca's aerial attacks are consistent with the CBA model.
- A novel proactive "lock-on" phase was identified in the later stages of flight.
- A low object detection threshold (0.13°) was measured, facilitated by a highly specialized fovea.
Conclusions:
- Holcocephala fusca utilizes both reactive (CBA) and proactive ("lock-on") strategies for efficient aerial interception.
- The study highlights the remarkable sensorimotor capabilities of small brains and suggests conserved target interception mechanisms across diverse species.
