1. Simulating A Dragonfly Intercepting Its Prey
Senior Project - Computer Science
Simulating A Dragonfly Intercepting
Its Prey
Victoria M. Hurley
Advisor: Prof. Michael Rudko
A computer simulation of a dragonfly intercepting its prey was developed in order to investigate a number of questions scientists have encountered. Dragonflies use visual detection to localize and intercept moving objects, particularly prey. Generally biologists recognize the various factors that characterize this ability yet some questions remain.  The two-dimensional computer simulator of this behavior which was developed incorporates real data and allows the user to alter each parameter that is known to govern flight. Ultimately, it provides scientists with a new technique for studying the influence of the different known factors while opening the door to additional parameters that may have been overlooked.
Abstract
Background
Biological research has shown that dragonflies use interception methods to capture their prey. The following factors govern the behavior of dragonflies during their flight and have been implemented into the simulator:
Acuity zone: The section of the retina that is populated with highly sensitive receptors, ommatidia, that are specifically used for viewing prey approximately 40 to 60 degrees above the horizon.
Prey angle: The angle between the line created by the tilt of a dragonfly’s head and to the line from the prey to the font of the dragonfly. (see image to right)
Latency: Due to the neurological makeup of a dragonfly there are delays in the dragonfly’s reactions to prey movements.
Speed: The relative speed of the dragonfly when compared to the prey.
Turning capabilities: A dragonfly is capable of stopping abruptly and rotating, slowly bringing about a turn, and hovering before continuing its pursuit.
Graph User Interface
The screen capture below shows the options the simulator provides the user. One can create a new simulation by selecting the excel file and entering in the necessary parameters. Also they can choose to save the parameters and load it in the future.
Results
Key: The dark blue dots represent each position of the prey during flight. The light blue stars mark the prey locations the dragonfly saw and reacted to. The dragonfly head is illustrated by the green circle (front) and red star (rear).
The simple path above demonstrates the capabilities of the simulator while the complex one to the right illustrates when the accuracy of the simulator fails. For example, the simulation to the right fails because decision making and distance estimation are not included in the simulation.
Future Work
Next term I will compare the results of the implemented behavioral components in the simulation with the true behavior of a dragonfly.