Technology that combines infrared lighting, robotics and a retroreflective marker is allowing scientists to follow and film insects as they fly in their natural environment.
Director of UQ's Biorobotics lab, Dr Thang Vo-Doan , helped develop the Fast Lock-On (FLO) tracking system while at the University of Freiburg in Germany.
"We fit the insect with a lightweight retroreflective marker which still allows them full range of movement," Dr Vo-Doan said.
"The marker is tracked by a robotic optical sensor and with paraxial infrared illumination, a simple image processing system can locate the insect in milliseconds.
"Sharing the optic path with a high-speed camera, we can then capture precise high-resolution slow-motion footage of the insect in the wild.
"Combining the FLO system with a drone, we can then extend the tracking range over 100 metres in the wild."
The secret life of insects
Dr Vo-Doan said while insects are vital to global ecology, the economy and health there is still limited understanding of their behaviour.
"Bees for example are crucial pollinators who maintain biodiversity and food security, but their size and speed make them difficult to study in their natural environment," he said.
"Stationary cameras can capture high-resolution images, but only really until the insect takes flight.
"And radar tracking can follow them flying over some distance but can't provide high-magnification images."
Dr Vo-Doan said FLO technology allows scientists to both follow the insect over kilometres and observe them in detail.
"We can see precisely how a bee moves its head and eyes as it flies, the movement of its wings as it comes in to land on flowers and how its legs grab onto food," he said.
"Scientists can also see how the insect interacts with the environment and responds to external factors like predators, weather and obstacles."
Addressing critical ecological challenges
So far FLO tracking has been used to study bumblebees, honey bees and locusts but Dr Vo-Doan said the technology can be applied to a wide range of insects.
"It could be used to look at the biomechanics and behaviours of Australia's native stingless bees and other endangered insects here and around the globe," he said.
"With precise data of insect flight and behaviour over large areas, FLO tracking could help with studies on insect decline, biosecurity, biodiversity and pest management.
"Its versatility in diverse environments makes it a valuable tool for addressing critical ecological issues such as habitat loss and the effects of climate change."
The research paper was published in Science Robotics.
Images and video provided by the Straw Lab, University of Freiburg.
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