Maplike representation of celestial E-vector orientations in the brain of an insect.
For many insects, the polarization pattern of the blue sky serves as a compass cue for spatial navigation. E-vector orientations are detected by photoreceptors in a dorsal rim area of the eye. Polarized-light signals from both eyes are finally integrated in the central complex, a brain area consisting of two subunits, the protocerebral bridge and the central body. Here we show that a topographic representation of zenithal E-vector orientations underlies the columnar organization of the protocerebral bridge in a locust. The maplike arrangement is highly suited to signal head orientation under the open sky.
Heinze
Stanley
S
Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, Philipps University, 35032 Marburg, Germany.
Homberg
Uwe
U
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D017952:Ganglia, Invertebrate / Q000502:physiology*; D006110:Grasshoppers / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D017956:Photoreceptor Cells, Invertebrate / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology