Project Number: 5436-22000-012-07
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Apr 30, 2007
End Date: Apr 30, 2010

Objective:
We will conduct orientation experiments of migratory Mormon crickets in perturbed magnetic fields. We will localize and characterize magnetic materials in migratory ants, butterflies, moths, and Mormon crickets. We will use neuro-anatomical and neuro-physiological techniques to identify the anatomy of the sensory nerves and axons responsible for the magnetic compass in the antennae and trace the innervation of the antennae within the insects' brain.

Approach:
This will be a joint effort between ARS, who will provide preserved biological specimens data on insect orientations in the field, and expertise on analysis and interpretation of insect behaviors and CBPF, who will be responsible for conducting physical analyses to characterize the ferromagnetic compasses in insects. Both partners will collaborate in identifying insects for screening. Although it is generally agreed that many animals use magnetic compasses to orient, no one has yet identified the magnetic compass in any invertebrate. Thus the results will be novel and of interest to the agricultural community trying to understand animal movement.