A population of descending tyraminergic/octopaminergic projection neurons of the insect deutocerebrum.

In this study, we describe a cluster of tyraminergic/octopaminergic neurons in the lateral dorsal deutocerebrum of desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) with descending axons to the abdominal ganglia. In the locust, these neurons synthesize octopamine from tyramine stress-dependently. Electrophysiological recordings in locusts reveal that they respond to mechanosensory touch stimuli delivered to various parts of the body including the antennae. A similar cluster of tyraminergic/octopaminergic neurons was also identified in the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) and the pink winged stick insect (Sipyloidea sipylus). It is suggested that these neurons release octopamine in the ventral nerve cord ganglia and, most likely, convey information on arousal and/or stressful stimuli to neuronal circuits thus contributing to the many actions of octopamine in the central nervous system.

Dominance of the odometer over serial landmark learning in honeybee navigation.

Honeybees use their visual flow field to measure flight distance. It has been suggested that the experience of serial landmarks encountered on the flight toward a feeding place contributes to distance estimation. Here, we address this question by tracing the flight paths of individual bees with a harmonic radar system. Bees were trained along an array of three landmarks (tents), and the distance between these landmarks was either increased or decreased under two test conditions. We find that absolute distance estimation dominates the search for the feeding place, but serial position effects are also found. In the latter case, bees search only or additionally at locations determined by serial experience of the landmarks.