Carrier frequency as a factor in phonotactic behaviour of female crickets (Teleogryllus commodus)

Summary1.Phonotaxis by female cricketsTeleogryllus commodus to synthetic signals is dependent on carrier frequency. Signals with carrier frequencies of 2.0 kHz and 16.0 kHz elicit phonotactic responses from relatively few individuals, although presented more than 20 dB above the threshold of cervical auditory interneurons.2.The frequency of the natural song covers 3.5–4.0 kHz. The further from this is the frequency of the synthetic signal, the greater is the difference between the corresponding auditory threshold of cervical interneurons and the intensity of presentation of the signal at which a significant number of female crickets respond phonotactically.3.Two categories of auditory interneuron with differing pitch sensitivities have been recorded in the cervical connectives. Activity in the two types of interneuron results from vibration of only the large tympanum of the auditory organ.