INFLUENCE OF ELECTRIC-FIELDS ON FLYING INSECTS

Experiments on blowflies and fruitflies in electrostatic fields are reported. At a high enough field strength, yet not so high as to cause flashover, the insect becomes paralyzed; however, if the field is quickly removed the insect eventually regains control and can fly away apparently unharmed. This occurs whether the insect is originally in contact with one of the electrodes or in flight between the electrodes. It is suggested that the nervous system is affected by conduction currents resulting from corona discharges due to local field enhancement at irregularities on the insects' bodies.