Abstract

Overview

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMFs) have a significant impact on the behavior and physiology of insects, prompting extensive research on their specific effects on flying insects, including locusts.

Findings

• The study analyzed locust flight behavior under acute exposure to 50 Hz EMFs using high-speed video recording in a controlled setup.
• Exposure to 50 Hz EMFs led to a field strength-dependent increase in wingbeat frequency, with greater changes observed at higher field strengths.
• Locusts flying at lower frequencies increased their wingbeat frequency under EMF exposure, while those at higher frequencies showed a decrease.
• A notable observation was the entrainment of locust wingbeat to a 2:5 ratio with the applied 50 Hz EMF during exposure.
• When exposed to EMFs close to their normal wingbeat frequencies, locusts synchronized their wingbeats with the exact EMF frequency.

Conclusion

This study reveals that ELF EMFs, though subtle, significantly affect locust wingbeat frequency. The findings highlight the profound biological implications of electromagnetic exposure on insect flight coordination, suggesting a potential area of concern for environmental EMF impacts on flying insects.