Figure 1. Schematic of descending neurons contributing to different behaviors.

Examples are shown of individual identified neurons or groups with similar morphology that can command behaviors or control specific movements. The outline of the nervous system and the leg and wing drawings were modeled on a figure from Cheong et al., 2023, and show which VNC segmental neuromeres are associated with the sensory and motor circuits for each appendage. Figure by Elfy Chiang, VisLab, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. a. Walking: DNp09 – freeze [62] OR forward walk with ipsilateral turns during courtship [36]; MDN – backward walking [31]; oDN1 – bolt forward walking [37]; DNa02 and DNg13 – steering [39,90] b. Flight: DNg02 – steering [47]; DNHS1 (DNp15) – looming [53]; DNp06 – maintaining straight flight [52]; DNp10 – landing initiation [45]. c. Escape: giant fiber (GF; DNp01) – escape [96]; DNp10 – jump [45]; DNp11 and DNp02 jump [2]; d. Grooming: aDN – antennal grooming [71]; DNg11 – front leg rubbing and DNg12 anterior grooming [73]. e. Courtship: pIP10 – song [78]; pMP2 – song [97] and type [79,80]; pSP22 – proboscis extension, abdominal bending [81]; DN1 – olfactory-initiated chasing [77]. f. Reproduction: OviDN – oviposition [86]; vpoDN – acceptance [82]; DNp13 – rejection [83,84]. VNC, ventral nerve cord