干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

A method is described which allows the presentation of numerous optical stimuli on a computer monitor in rapid succession. The stimuli consist of figures or patterns, which periodically appear and disappear, change their size, take other positions, or move in different directions (Figs. 1, 2). The computer program allows a flexible control of selection, sequence, duration and pattern velocity of the optical stimuli during the experiment. To demonstrate the application of the method to the insect visual system, responses of thoracic interneurones of the visual pathway of the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) as well as behavioural responses of the tethered flying animal itself are shown (Figs. 3 - 5).