Neurophysiological analysis of locust behaviour during ecdysis: The slow rhythm underlying expansion

The behaviour of Schistocerca during the expansional stage of the imaginal ecdysis was analysed using electromyograms. The behaviour of the abdomen consisted of a slow rhythm in which tonic compressions and rapid ventilation alternated. The same abdominal motor neurones were excited in the tonic compression and rapid expiratory strokes. The results suggest that different interneurones excited the motor neurones in these two phases. The excitation of muscles in the head and thorax was also correlated with the abdominal rhythm.