Neuronal Mechanisms Underlying Control of Sound Production in A Cricket: Acheta Domesticus*

Analyses of neuronal mechanisms underlying instinctive behaviour have long been required (Tinbergen, 1951) but have not been forthcoming. The reason seems to lie in part in a lack of agreement as to suitable experimental animals. There are now signs that certain large insects, which are available in many laboratories, and whose nervous systems are amenable to electrophysiological investigation, have been selected as first-choice subjects for detailed investigations. As examples we may refer to the work of Wilson (1961, 1964) on locust flight mechanisms, Roeder, Tozian & Weiant (1961) on the praying mantis and Hoyle (1964) on general locomotory activity in locusts.