Investigating inter-segmental connections between thoracic ganglia in the stick insect by means of experimental and simulated phase response curves.

The neuronal networks that control the motion of the individual legs in insects, in particular in the stick insect, are located in the pro-, meso- and meta-thoracic ganglia. They ensure high flexibility of movement control. Thus, the legs can move in an apparently independent way, e.

Control of reflex reversal in stick insect walking: effects of intersegmental signals, changes in direction, and optomotor-induced turning.

In many animals, the effects of sensory feedback on motor output change during locomotion. These changes can occur as reflex reversals in which sense organs that activate muscles to counter perturbations in posture control instead reinforce movements in walking. The mechanisms underlying these changes are only partially understood.