Anatomy and physiology of a set of low‐frequency vibratory interneurons in a nonhearing ensiferan ( Troglophilus neglectus , Rhaphidophoridae)

Vibratory interneurons were investigated in a primitive nonhearing ensiferan (orthopteran) species ( Troglophilus neglectus , Rhaphidophoridae), using intracellular recording and staining technique. The study included 26 morphologically and/or physiologically distinct types of neurons from the prothoracic ganglion responding to vibration of the front legs. Most of these neurons are tuned to frequencies below 400 Hz. The morphology, anatomical position in the ganglion, and physiological responses are described in particular for a set of these low‐frequency‐tuned elements, including one local neuron, two T‐shaped fibers, and five descending neurons, for which no putative homologues are known from the hearing Orthoptera. Their lowest thresholds are between about 0.01 and 0.4 m/second 2 at frequencies of 50–400 Hz, and the shortest latencies between 10 and 16 msec, suggesting that they are first‐ or second‐order interneurons. Six interneurons have dendritic arborizations in the neuropile region that contains projections of tibial organ vibratory receptors, but their sensitivity suggests predominating inputs from vibrational sensilla of another origin. Responses of most neurons are composed of frequency‐specific excitatory and inhibitory synaptic potentials, most of the latter being received in the high‐frequency range. The function of these neurons in predator detection and intraspecific communication is discussed. J. Comp. Neurol. 516:519–532, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.