Only starts when the correct operating temperature has been reached
When zoologists speak of poikilothermic and homothermic organisms, this initially sounds somewhat confusing for laymen. But when looked at more closely, you can see that the scientists are only distinguishing between organisms whose body temperatures change (Greek: poikilos = variable) or remain relatively stable (Greek: homios = uniform).
Locusts can change their own body temperature and consequently belong to the former genus, poikilothermic organisms. Because they can increase their temperature by heat absorption or decrease it by heat discharge to the outside, locust are ectothermic organisms (Greek: ecto = external). The thorax temperature of locusts changes according to their needs; it can even be higher than many warm-blooded animals in the midday heat.
But why do insects have to increase their temperature at all? Before locusts can "take off", the metabolism of their flight or jumping leg muscle system has to increase. The process requires in turn an increase of their body's temperature. The locust achieves the correct temperature by taking up heat energy from its environment. When temperatures are a bit cooler, it can get the required heat energy from the sun's rays. It can only get its wings and jump legs moving and fly away when its thorax reaches its operating temperature (25 to 40 °C). Once a locust has started flying, its body's temperature can increase in its muscles to 45 °C thanks to intensive metabolic processes. If the built-up heat is not discharged quickly enough, the operating temperature is exceeded. The insects have to interrupt their flight in this case and land.
In principal, the requirements in nature and technology are very similar. It is a question of adjusting temperatures using clever regulation mechanisms as quickly as possible and consequently ensuring a high degree of process reliability and stability. Comparable to its model in nature, the locust, Huber is a specialist in achieving the right temperature. Huber regulates temperature-dependent processes in laboratories and production very precisely and quickly.
