Impact of Haltere Removal on Gravitational Perception and Takeoff in Dipteran Insects

Overview

Animal movement requires the input of sensory information. In particular, flies use sensors known as halteres, a type of mechanosensory organ located on the metathorax, to aid in flight. However, the precise function of halteres beyond their canonical role during flying has yet to be determined. In this study, three major conditions were examined—free fall, tarsal reflex, and takeoff—to better understand the behavioral significance of halteres outside of flight stabilization. First, flies were subjected to free fall; specifically, flesh flies (Sarcophagidae), which oscillate halteres while walking, and long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae), which do not oscillate halteres while walking, were observed. The behavior of intact flies was compared to behavior of flies with their halteres removed. Each fly was placed in a clear plastic container suspended 2 cm above a surface and filmed using a high-speed videography camera as the container fell. For both flesh flies and long-legged flies, there was no significant difference in median body velocity during the fall between intact and haltereless flies. Secondly, to examine tarsal reflex, the speed at which flesh flies initiated wing flapping when tethered to a pin and pulled away from a contact surface was observed; intact and haltereless flies did not behave significantly differently when subjected to these conditions. Finally, takeoff of intact crane flies was recorded; it was noted that flies began oscillating halteres before the movement of the wings. Taken together, these data suggest that any sensory information from oscillating halteres during shifts in gravity is only supplemental as opposed to necessary for behavioral adaption, and that halteres likely do not play a role in tarsal reflex, but may provide sensory input during takeoff.

Competition history

• JSHS 2020 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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