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Chinese Journal of Ecology ›› 2026, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (9): 3118-3127.doi: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202609.015

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Research progress on olfactory-visual synergy in insects.

FENG Taiyang1, LI Yiwei1, BI Tianyu1, YANG Yijuan2*, DONG Wenxia1*   

  1. (1College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; 2Plant Protection and Quarantine Station of Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, Zhaotong 657000, Yunnan, China).

  • Online:2026-09-10 Published:2026-09-08

Abstract: The olfactory system of insects detects chemical cues from the environment, while the visual system processes light stimuli. Rather than functioning in isolation, these two modalities complement and interact with each other to shape behavior. Such olfactory-visual synergy plays a pivotal role in foraging, mate finding, host selection, predator avoidance, orientation, and navigation. We reviewed recent advances in understanding multimodal sensory integration between olfaction and vision in insect neurophysiology, with emphasis on its implications for pest management. We discussed the complementary and integrative neural mechanisms that support key organism activities and illustrated how multisensory interactions contribute to insect survival and reproduction. These insights deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying olfactory-visual integration and provide potential strategies for improving pest monitoring and control.


Key words: insect, olfactory, vision, synergy, pest monitoring and management