Hypothesis Stipulating That a Natural Radar Navigational System Guides Hornet Flight

Abstract

Our hypothesis of a natural sophisticated radar navigation system guiding hornet flight is derived from an investigation of the complex arrays of spike elements revealed on vespan cuticle by electron microscopy. The occurrence of three different lengths and dispositions of these elements has led us to draw an analogy with the antennae associated with radio theory and practice and thus to hypothesize that they represent three transmitting and receiving phased arrays operating at three different frequencies in the sub-millimetric wavelength range. The natural thermo-photo and piezoelectric generation of energy in hornets, reported previously by us, could provide the Radio Frequency (RF) energy required for the operation of such a natural radar system. A comparison is made with the sophisticated sonar tracking and navigational system of bats vis-a-vis the mode of operation and main parameters of the three prolonged detecting and tracking system of hornets. We stress the need for further experimental and theoretical investigations before reaching decisive conclusions and propounding a precise model for the suggested radar system of hornets. Results of these further investigations may possibly provide means for improving vespan tracking and navigation, especially by exploring as yet unused submillimetric wavelength ranges.