Abstract
MICROWAVES can affect living organisms in different ways1. Radiation of high intensity is lethal, due to the thermal effect on the living tissues. Different organs are selectively sensitive both in vertebrates2 and in insects3. Behavioural studies with rats have demonstrated that, in a choice situation, the animals will respond to an electromagnetic field of a rather low intensity, by leaving it4. Our investigations revealed that insects respond to the intensity gradient of a non-uniform microwave electromagnetic field in a similar way. In an arena illuminated by a non-uniform field insects carry out oriented movements avoiding the regions which are more intensely illuminated. In this paper we analyse the involvement of antennae in the orientation mechanisms underlying the avoidance response.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Johnson, C. C., and Guy, A. W., Proc. IEEE, 60, 692 (1972).
Michaelson, S. M., in Biological Effects and Health Hazards of Microwave Radiation, 1 (edit. by Czerski, et al.), (Polish Medical Publishers, Warsaw, 1974).
Žďárek, J., Ondráček, J., and Datlov, J., Experientia (in the press).
Frey, A. H., and Feld, S. R., J. comp. Physiol. Psych., 89, 2 (1975).
Carpenter, R. L., and Livestone, E. L., IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Techniques 19, 173 (1971).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
ONDRÁČEK, J., ŽDÁREK, J., LANDA, V. et al. Importance of antennae for orientation of insects in a non-uniform microwave electromagnetic field. Nature 260, 522–523 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/260522a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/260522a0
This article is cited by
-
Stingless Bee Antennae: A Magnetic Sensory Organ?
BioMetals (2006)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.