required reading:

Frye MA(2001) Encoding properties of the wing hinge stretch receptor in the hawkmoth Manduca sexta.
pdf-file

Frye MA (2001) Effects of stretch receptor ablation on the optomotor control of lift in the hawkmoth Manduca sexta J Exp Biol 2043683–3691.
pdf-file

questions:
1.What are wing kinematics? Generally, how are these values behaviorally relevant?
2.How did the author ablate the stretch receptor? What are some consequences in using physical lesions?
3.Describe visually elicited lift generation. How does the function of the stretch receptor relate to lift?
4.Feedback of the stretch receptor does not appear to influence abdominal deflections or large indirect power-producing muscles. What does this finding suggest? 5.Describe the activity of the stretch receptor during quiescence. How does it differ in flight?
6.How does stretch receptor activity relate to elevation of wingstroke? How does the activity in hawkmoth compare to that in locust?
7.Describe the mechanical properties of the subalar membrane? How do these affect the activity of the stretch receptor?
8.What are two hypotheses about the function of the stretch receptor signal? What additional evidence would be needed to support either one or the other?

PDF-file of power point lecture (about 2.7 MB)

background reading:

Links:
flapping flight web site
Michael Dickinson's Lab
flow simulation pics