The Cricket’s Compound Eye Influences the Timing and Consistency of Its Daily Movement Rhythm

At 30°C, the removal of the optic nerve significantly altered the locomotor rhythm of crickets, leading to a longer free-running period and decreased stability.

• The study investigated the influence of peripheral clocks in the compound eye on the central clock in the optic lobe of crickets.
• Surgical removal of one optic lobe clock and the optic nerve was performed to assess their roles in regulating locomotor activity in constant darkness.
• At 30°C, severing the optic nerve resulted in a significant increase in the free-running period and a decrease in the stability of the locomotor rhythm.
• At 20°C, only the free-running period was significantly lengthened, whereas no significant changes were observed at 25°C.
• Removing the anterior half of the compound eye at 30°C reproduced the changes in free-running period and stability, while the posterior half only caused period lengthening.
• These findings suggest reciprocal interactions between the clocks in the compound eye and the optic lobe in controlling locomotor rhythms.

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