The ant central complex (CX) and lateral complex (highlighted in colour) are embedded in the centre of the ant brain (top left) and located in close proximity to the mushroom bodies (MBs). Data from flies and moths, as well as other insects, have crystallised the role of the CX as an integrative centre to compare the head direction and goal direction of the insect and to instruct the motor system to make corrective turns. The head direction representation is based predominantly on visual information from the optic lobes (OL). The lateral accessory lobes (LALs) are known as premotor control centres that receive CX output and contain reciprocally connected neurons that, at least in moths110, drive oscillatory steering behaviour. The mushroom bodies (MB) are the likely location for storing view memories that contribute to defining the momentary goal of the insect. Images from the Insect Brain Database148, data from103.
