File:Fig ClimbingBehaviour.jpg

Summary

Stick insects use their antennae for obstacle detection during locomotion. When blindfolded, stick insects (Carausius morosus) walk towards a block of wood (top left) they can readily climb obstacles that are much higher than the maximum foot height during a regular step. Following antennal contact with the obstacle, the next step is raised higher than normal (bottom left and top right: blue line indicates foot trajectory; blue dots mark contact sites; red line segment labels the period of concurrent antennal contact). Antennal contact during early swing often leads to re-targeting (top right). Contact during late swing typically ensues a correcting step (right middle). Antennal contact during stance leads to a higher step than regular (lower right). Red lines and dots show trajectories and contact sites of the antennal tip (first contact only). Black lines and dots show the body axis and head every 40 ms. Following antennal contact, body axis lines are drawn in grey. (by Volker Dürr, Biological Cybernetics, Bielefeld University, Germany)

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