ABSTRACT
Techniques for recording muscular and neural activity from awake behaving animals are well established for larger vertebrates such as primates, and for invertebrates
such as insects. Many species of primates will readily learn a behavioral task while working for a food reward under conditions of restricted movement, and primates can carry considerable weight, which facilitates preparation of implants for neurophysiological recordings. Behaviors under study such as locomotory behavior in insects can be elicited while animals are tethered, which effectively restricts movements and also facilitates deployment of recording devices. Such favorable conditions cannot always be achieved in all animal test systems, especially in small vertebrates producing behavior that is under volitional control. Yet these systems may offer unique advantages that are highly desirable for neurobiological research.
