Control System
Steering
Steering is achieved by the independent use of wings and altering the wing hinge (Dickinson 1985). The wing hinge acts like a gear box of a car and controls the indirect muscles by becoming stiffer to reduce motion (Dickinson 1985). The muscle surrounding the hinge is controlled directly by the nervous system. Insects with large abdomens, such as the bumblebees, also use their body as a rudder (Dickinson 1985). To control speed insects use their optomotor reaction or the movement if objects in their eye sight to determine their preferred speed (Dickinson 1985).
The pleurosternal muscle and pleurotergal muscles are the hinge like muscles that control wing movement. Image provided by Klowden (2007).
Take Off
Bumblebee flight is initiated by neural inputs to the dorso ventral muscle which makes their wings oscillate and begins stretch activation (Champman 1998). This affects the stretch of the dorsal longitudinal muscles and begins the movement of the wings. As the bumblebee lifts off their sensory stimuli in the legs loses contact with the ground and ensures that wings continue to beat (Champman 1998). Other sensory stimuli such as movement of air against the bees head will keep the flight muscles operating and the insect flying.
Bumblebee take off in slow motion. Video provided by ultraslo(2007).
Landing
Bumblebees will land when numerous visual stimuli to the ommatidia (segments within the bumblebees compound eye) is activated (Champman 1998). Such visual stimuli include certain types of flowers. Extension of the legs also prepares the bee for landing (Champman 1998).
All of these forms and variations of visual stimuli evolved so the insect was capable of sensing its environment and surroundings and therefore avoiding predation and searching for resources (Champman 1998).
All of these forms and variations of visual stimuli evolved so the insect was capable of sensing its environment and surroundings and therefore avoiding predation and searching for resources (Champman 1998).
Bumblebees preparing for landing. Image provided by Kohl (2009).