Remote-sensing, telemetric and computer-based technologies for investigating insect movement: a survey of existing and potential techniques

This paper provides an overview of the recent literature on electronic, remote-sensing and computer-based techniques for observing and monitoring insect movement in the field and in the laboratory.

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the recent literature on electronic, remote-sensing and computer-based techniques for observing and monitoring insect movement in the field and in the laboratory. Topics (such as entomological radar) which are covered in detail elsewhere in this Special Issue are deliberately omitted. Techniques which have been used, or which have potential for use, in monitoring insects in the field, include optical and opto-electronic devices, videography, thermal imaging, radio frequency identification (RFID), radio-telemetry, X-ray radiography and computed tomography, sodar and sonar. The discussion includes optical sensors and insect trapping, instrumented beehives, acoustic detection of insects in grain, fruit and soil, and various laboratory methods for studying insect movement, such as actographs, treadmills, automatic flight mills, and the video recording and analysis of movement in wind tunnels and in indoor arenas. Airborne and satellite imaging of insect habitats is mentioned, but only in the context of the use of these techniques to deduce changes in population distribution in some migratory species. Finally, some of the main constraints to progress in the sensing of insect movement, and areas where rapid advances seem possible, are discussed.