Evolving neural networks for orientation behavior of sand scorpions towards prey

Abstract

Sand scorpions have a good capability of detecting vibration caused by their prey. They have tactile sense organs in their legs, and they are sensitive to the vibration of surface wave. It is known that the receptor neurons (command neurons) from each leg have inhibitory connections to pinpoint the direction of vibration source, and triad inhibitory connections among receptor neurons have been suggested to explain their orientation behavior. In this paper, we explore the neural network mechanism for the orientation behavior of sand scorpions towards their prey, and by evolving neural networks, we found inhibitory connections among receptor neurons play a significant role for the behavior. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.