Progress in the mechanisms of insect orientation

Key Words：insect orientation, compass orientation, wind orientation, landmark cues

Abstract：　　This paper reviews progress in research on insect spatial orientation mechanisms. Many species of insects have the ability to undertake orientated dispersal or migration. To date, many experiments have been carried out to study the orientation behavior of some social and migratory insects. These indicate that insects may orientate by using a variety of information, including sun compass, magnetic compass, celestial compass, wind and landmark cues. The social insects achieve relatively precise navigation by integrating various orientation cues. Although it has been ascertained that diurnal migratory insects orientate using a time compensated sun compass, further research is needed to determine the orientation mechanisms of nocturnal migratory insects. To better forecast the movements of insect pests it is necessary to clarify their migratory mechanisms by determining their flight tracks and possible landing regions.