Can crickets make use of their polarisation compass under unfavorable sky conditions?
” Perception 35 ECVP Abstract Supplement Haze, clouds, and a restricted field of view: Can crickets make use of their polarisation compass under unfavorable sky conditions? M J Henze, T Labhart Field crickets (Gryllus campestris) are able to detect the oscillation plane (e-vector) of polarised light. Like other insect species, they presumably use this sense to exploit the celestial polarisation pattern for navigation. Polarisation vision in crickets can be tested by eliciting a spontaneous orientation response: Tethered animals treadmilling on an air-suspended ball adjust their turning tendency according to the e-vector orientation of a polarised light stimulus presented from above. In previous studies, a strongly polarised wide-field stimulus (degree of polarisation d~100%; field of view f=83 deg) was used to induce this reaction. However, the degree of polarisation in the natural sky does not exceed 75% even on clear days and it is much lower if haze or clouds are present. Furthermor
