Unraveling the neural basis of spatial orientation in arthropods

The neural basis underlying spatial orientation in arthropods, in particular insects, has received considerable interest in recent years. This special issue of the Journal of Comparative Physiology A seeks to take account of these developments by presenting a collection of eight review articles and eight original research articles highlighting hotspots of research on spatial orientation in arthropods ranging from flies to spiders and the underlying neural circuits. The contributions impressively illustrate the wide range of tools available to arthropods extending from specific sensory channels to highly sophisticated neural computations for mastering complex navigational challenges.

Automated summary

This article introduces the research on the neural basis of spatial orientation in arthropods, especially insects, and presents a collection of eight review articles and eight original research articles discussing hotspots of research on spatial orientation in various arthropods and the neural circuits involved. These contributions illustrate the wide range of tools arthropods use to master complex navigational challenges, including specific sensory channels and highly sophisticated neural computations.