"Using high-speed infrared cameras and 3D-printed robotic flowers, scientists have learned that the insects manage these complex sensing and control challenges by slowing their brains to improve vision under low-light conditions—while continuing to perform demanding tasks.
"Daniel’s research group has experimentally characterized the response of flying hawkmoths using a sensory input comprised of the linear sum of sine waves. The new paper, published in Science, extends application of the “sum of sines” approach, he says.
"‘Simon’s work took the formal methods of control theory to dissect out how neural circuits adapt to vast ranges of luminance levels,’ adds Daniel. ‘By looking at the time delays in the movement dynamics of a freely-flying moth—interacting with the input of a robotically moved flower—Simon was able to extract the luminance dependent processing of the moth’s central nervous system.’
“Scientists already knew that the moths, which feed on flower nectar during the evening and at dusk and dawn, use specialized eye structures to maximize the amount of light they can capture. But they also surmised that the insects might be slowing their nervous systems to make the best use of this limited light.”
“Hawkmoths Slow Their Brains To See In The Dark”
http://www.futurity.org/hawkmoths-brains-vision-941522/
I would still like more explanation of exactly how slowing down their brains improves the moth’s performance. I’m guessing that the moth is freeing up some resource so its vision or navigation system can work better, but I haven’t found a specific description, yet.