Data from: Flexibility and control of thorax deformation during hawkmoth flight

The interaction between neuromuscular systems and body mechanics plays an important role in the production of coordinated movements in animals. Lepidopteran insects move the wings via distortion of the thorax structure via the indirect flight muscles (IFMs), while the IFMs are activated by neural signals at every stroke. However, how these muscle activities affect thorax deformation and wing kinematics is poorly understood. We measured the deformation of the mesonotum (dorsal portion of the mesothorax) of the tethered flying hawkmoth, Agrius convolvuli, using a high-speed laser profilometer combined with simultaneous recordings of electromyograms and wing kinematics. We observed locally amplified mesonotum deformation near the wing hinges to ensure sufficient wing movement. Furthermore, phase asymmetry in IFM activities led to phase asymmetry in mesonotum oscillations and wingbeats. Our results confirmed the flexibility and controllability of a single structure of the mesonotum by neurogenic action of the IFMs.