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Martinez V, Sillam-Dussès D, Devetak D, Lorent V, Podlesnik J. Antlion larvae localize long distant preys by a mechanism based on time difference. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2024; 210:35-45. [PMID: 37261561 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-023-01641-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Pit building antlions Euroleon nostras have been submitted to artificial cues in order to delineate their faculty to localize a prey. Series of propagating pulses in sand have been created from an extended source made of 10 piezoelectric transducers equally spaced on a line and located at a large distance from the pit. The envelope of each pulse encompasses six oscillations at a carrier frequency of 1250 Hz and up to eight oscillations at 1666 Hz. In one set of experiments, the first wave front is followed by similar wave fronts and the antlions respond to the cue by throwing sand in the opposite direction of the wave front propagation direction. In another set of experiments, the first wave front is randomly spatially structured while the propagation of the wave fronts inside the envelope of the pulse are not. In that case, the antlions respond less to the cue by throwing sand, and when they do, their sand throwing is more randomly distributed in direction. The finding shows that the localization of vibration signal by antlions are based on the equivalent for hearing animals of interaural time difference in which the onset has more significance than the interaural phase difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Martinez
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, LEEC, UR 4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers, LPL, CNRS, UMR 7538, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, LEEC, UR 4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Dušan Devetak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Koroška cesta 160, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Vincent Lorent
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers, LPL, CNRS, UMR 7538, 93430, Villetaneuse, France.
| | - Jan Podlesnik
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Koroška cesta 160, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
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Roberts L, Rice AN. Vibrational and acoustic communication in fishes: The overlooked overlap between the underwater vibroscape and soundscape. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 154:2708-2720. [PMID: 37888943 DOI: 10.1121/10.0021878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Substrate-borne communication via mechanical waves is widespread throughout the animal kingdom but has not been intensively studied in fishes. Families such as the salmonids and sculpins have been documented to produce vibratory signals. However, it is likely that fish taxa on or close to the substrate that produce acoustic signals will also have a vibratory component to their signal due to their proximity to substrates and energy transfer between media. Fishes present an intriguing opportunity to study vibrational communication, particularly in the context of signal production and detection, detection range, and how vibratory signals may complement or replace acoustic signals. It is highly likely that the vibrational landscape, the vibroscape, is an important component of their sensory world, which certainly includes and overlaps with the soundscape. With the wide range of anthropogenic activities modifying underwater substrates, vibrational noise presents similar risks as acoustic noise pollution for fishes that depend on vibrational communication. However, in order to understand vibrational noise, more empirical studies are required to investigate the role of vibrations in the fish environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Roberts
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GP, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron N Rice
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA
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3
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Miler K, Czarnoleski M. Heat stress during development makes antlion larvae more responsive to vibrational cues. Curr Zool 2022; 68:345-350. [PMID: 35592350 PMCID: PMC9113387 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoab098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of heat stress on the responsiveness to vibrational cues, our measure of perceptual ability, in Myrmeleon bore antlion larvae (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae). We reared these trap-building predatory larvae under 2 heat stress regimes (mild, 30°C, and harsh, 36°C), and after they progressed from one instar stage to another, we tested their perceptual ability in common unchallenging conditions. We hypothesized that exposure to the harsh heat stress regime would impose costs resulting in handicapped vibration responsiveness. We found that the harsh heat stress regime generated more stressful conditions for the larvae, as evidenced by increased mortality and postponed molting, and the loss of body mass among larger larvae. Furthermore, among the individuals who remained alive, those originating from the harsh heat stress regime were characterized by higher vibration responsiveness. Our results suggest 2 not mutually exclusive scenarios. Costly heat stress conditions can sieve out individuals characterized by poor perceptual ability or surviving individuals can attempt to hunt more efficiently to compensate for the physiological imbalance caused by heat stress. Both of these mechanisms fit into the ongoing debate over how adaptation and plasticity contribute to shaping insect communities exposed to heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Miler
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sławkowska 17, Kraków 31-016, Poland
| | - Marcin Czarnoleski
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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4
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Convergent evolution of antlions and wormlions: similarities and differences in the behavioural ecology of unrelated trap-building predators. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-03106-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Büsse S, Büscher TH, Heepe L, Gorb SN, Stutz HH. Sand-throwing behaviour in pit-building antlion larvae: insights from finite-element modelling. J R Soc Interface 2021; 18:20210539. [PMID: 34520690 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandy pitfall traps of antlions are elaborate constructions to capture prey. Antlions exploit the interactions between the particles in their habitat and build a stable trap. This trap is close to the unstable state; prey items will slide towards the centre-where the antlion ambushes-when entering the trap. This is efficient but requires permanent maintenance. According to the present knowledge, antlions throw sand, mainly to cause sandslides towards the centre of the pit. We hypothesized that: (i) sand-throwing causes sandslides towards the centre of the pit and (ii) sand-throwing constantly maintains the pitfall trap and thus keeps its efficiency high. Using laboratory experiments, as well as finite-element analysis, we tested these hypotheses. We show, experimentally and numerically, that sand that accumulates at the centre of the pit will be removed continuously by sand-throwing, this maintenance is leading to slope condition close to an unstable state. This keeps the slope angle steep and the efficiency of the trap constant. Furthermore, the resulting sandslides can relocate the trapped prey towards the centre of the pit. This study adds further insights from specific mechanical properties of a granular medium into the behavioural context of hunting antlion larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Büsse
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thies H Büscher
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lars Heepe
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Hans Henning Stutz
- Department of Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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6
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Roberts L. Crabby commotions: visual not vibrational-orientated searching behaviours guide aggregation formation around key resources. J ETHOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-021-00710-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Martinez V, Nowbahari E, Sillam-Dussès D, Lorent V. Antlions are sensitive to subnanometer amplitude vibrations carried by sand substrates. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2020; 206:783-791. [PMID: 32661557 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-020-01437-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The antlion larvae (Myrmeleontidae) are ambush predators. They detect substrate-borne vibrations induced by the movement of the prey. European pit-building antlions (Myrmeleon inconspicuus) are studied for their ability to perceive vibrations generated by the locomotion of an ant (Cataglyphis cursor) outside the pit. These strides have been recorded and copied in detail in their time sequences. The signal created was emitted by piezoelectric transducers placed several centimeters outside the peripheries of the pits: the ant movements create waves with particle accelerations that are three orders of magnitude less than g, alleviating any possibility of sand avalanche towards the bottom of the pit. Depending on the amplitude of the vibrations, the antlions answer back, generally by sand tossing. One remarkable feature is the time delay between the start of the cue and the predatory behaviour induced by this cue. This time delay is studied versus the cue amplitude. We found that antlions answer back within minutes to cues with amplitudes of nanometer range, and within seconds to these same cues if they are preceded by a sequence of signals at the Ångström amplitude. This difference in latency is used to evidence the sensitivity to vibrations at an extremely low level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Martinez
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, LEEC, UR 4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France.,Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers, LPL, CNRS, UMR 7538, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Elise Nowbahari
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, LEEC, UR 4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, LEEC, UR 4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Vincent Lorent
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers, LPL, CNRS, UMR 7538, 93430, Villetaneuse, France.
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8
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Predatory behavior and sensory morphology of the whip spider Charinus asturius (Arachnida: Amblypygi). J ETHOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-020-00648-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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9
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Humeau A, Piñeirua M, Crassous J, Casas J. Locomotion of Ants Walking up Slippery Slopes of Granular Materials. Integr Org Biol 2019; 1:obz020. [PMID: 33791535 PMCID: PMC7671155 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obz020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many insects encounter locomotory difficulties in walking up sand inclines. This is masterfully exploited by some species for building traps from which prey are rarely able to escape, as the antlion and its deadly pit. The aim of this work is to tear apart the relative roles of granular material properties and slope steepness on the insect leg kinematics, gait patterns, and locomotory stability. For this, we used factorial manipulative experiments with different granular media inclines and the ant Aphaenogaster subterranea. Our results show that its locomotion is similar on granular and solid media, while for granular inclined slopes we observe a loss of stability followed by a gait pattern transition from tripod to metachronal. This implies that neither the discrete nature nor the roughness properties of sand alone are sufficient to explain the struggling of ants on sandy slopes: the interaction between sand properties and slope is key. We define an abnormality index that allows us to quantify the locomotory difficulties of insects walking up a granular incline. The probability of its occurrence reveals the local slipping of the granular media as a consequence of the pressure exerted by the ant's legs. Our findings can be extended to other models presenting locomotory difficulties for insects, such as slippery walls of urns of pitcher plants. How small arthropods walking on granular and brittle materials solve their unique stability trade-off will require a thorough understanding of the transfer of energy from leg to substrate at the particle level.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Humeau
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261 CNRS—Université François—Rabelais, Tours 37200, France
| | - M Piñeirua
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261 CNRS—Université François—Rabelais, Tours 37200, France
| | - J Crassous
- Institut de Physique de Rennes (UMR UR1–CNRS 6251), Université Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes F-35042, France
| | - J Casas
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261 CNRS—Université François—Rabelais, Tours 37200, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, 75231, France
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10
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Dataset on Substrate-Borne Vibrations of Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Blattodea: Isoptera) Termites. DATA 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/data4020087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we present data on distinct stimuli as elicitors of substrate-borne vibrations performed by groups of termites belonging to the species Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Blattodea: Isoptera: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae). The study consisted of assays where termite workers and soldiers were exposed to different airborne stimuli and the vibrations thereby elicited were captured by an accelerometer attached under the floor of the arena in which the termites were confined. A video camera was also used as a visual complement. The data provided here contribute to fill a gap currently existing in published datasets on termite communication.
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11
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Raboin M, Elias DO. Anthropogenic noise and the bioacoustics of terrestrial invertebrates. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:222/12/jeb178749. [PMID: 31217253 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.178749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic noise is an important issue of environmental concern owing to its wide-ranging effects on the physiology, behavior and ecology of animals. To date, research has focused on the impacts of far-field airborne noise (i.e. pressure waves) on vertebrates, with few exceptions. However, invertebrates and the other acoustic modalities they rely on, primarily near-field airborne and substrate-borne sound (i.e. particle motion and vibrations, respectively) have received little attention. Here, we review the literature on the impacts of different types of anthropogenic noise (airborne far-field, airborne near-field, substrate-borne) on terrestrial invertebrates. Using literature on invertebrate bioacoustics, we propose a framework for understanding the potential impact of anthropogenic noise on invertebrates and outline predictions of possible constraints and adaptations for invertebrates in responding to anthropogenic noise. We argue that understanding the impacts of anthropogenic noise requires us to consider multiple modalities of sound and to cultivate a broader understanding of invertebrate bioacoustics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Raboin
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Damian O Elias
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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12
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Virant-Doberlet M, Kuhelj A, Polajnar J, Šturm R. Predator-Prey Interactions and Eavesdropping in Vibrational Communication Networks. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Beponis LM, O'Dea RE, Ohl VA, Ryan MP, Backwell PRY, Binning SA, Haff TM. Cleaning Up After a Meal: The Consequences of Prey Disposal for Pit-Building Antlion Larvae. Ethology 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy M. Beponis
- Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Rose E. O'Dea
- Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Valérie-Anne Ohl
- Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Mitchell P. Ryan
- Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Patricia R. Y. Backwell
- Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Sandra A. Binning
- Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Tonya M. Haff
- Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
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15
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Elias DO, Mason AC. The Role of Wave and Substrate Heterogeneity in Vibratory Communication: Practical Issues in Studying the Effect of Vibratory Environments in Communication. ANIMAL SIGNALS AND COMMUNICATION 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-43607-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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16
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Hamel JA, Cocroft RB. Negative feedback from maternal signals reduces false alarms by collectively signalling offspring. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 279:3820-6. [PMID: 22787019 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.1181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Within animal groups, individuals can learn of a predator's approach by attending to the behaviour of others. This use of social information increases an individual's perceptual range, but can also lead to the propagation of false alarms. Error copying is especially likely in species that signal collectively, because the coordination required for collective displays relies heavily on social information. Recent evidence suggests that collective behaviour in animals is, in part, regulated by negative feedback. Negative feedback may reduce false alarms by collectively signalling animals, but this possibility has not yet been tested. We tested the hypothesis that negative feedback increases the accuracy of collective signalling by reducing the production of false alarms. In the treehopper Umbonia crassicornis, clustered offspring produce collective signals during predator attacks, advertising the predator's location to the defending mother. Mothers signal after evicting the predator, and we show that this maternal communication reduces false alarms by offspring. We suggest that maternal signals elevate offspring signalling thresholds. This is, to our knowledge, the first study to show that negative feedback can reduce false alarms by collectively behaving groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Hamel
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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17
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Lambert EP, Motta PJ, Lowry D. Modulation in the feeding prey capture of the ant-lion, Myrmeleon crudelis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL GENETICS AND PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 315:602-9. [PMID: 21953805 DOI: 10.1002/jez.709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ant-lions are pit-building larvae (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae), which possess relatively large mandibles used for catching and consuming prey. Few studies involving terrestrial arthropod larva have investigated prey capture behavior and kinematics and no study has shown modulation of strike kinematics. We examined feeding kinematics of the ant-lion, Myrmeleon crudelis, using high-speed video to investigate whether larvae modulate strike behavior based on prey location relative to the mandible. Based on seven capture events from five M. crudelis, the strike took 17.60 ± 2.92 msec and was characterized by near-simultaneous contact of both mandibles with the prey. Modulation of the angular velocity of the mandibles based on prey location was clearly demonstrated. M. crudelis larvae attempted to simultaneously contact prey with both mandibles by increasing mean angular velocity of the far mandible (65 ± 21 rad sec(-1) ) compared with the near mandible (35 ± 14 rad sec(-1) ). Furthermore, kinematic results showed a significant difference for mean angular velocity between the two mandibles (P<0.005). Given the lengthy strike duration compared with other fast-striking arthropods, these data suggest that there is a tradeoff between the ability to modulate strike behavior for accurate simultaneous mandible contact and the overall velocity of the strike. The ability to modulate prey capture behavior may increase dietary breadth and capture success rate in these predatory larvae by allowing responsive adjustment to small-scale variations in prey size, presentation, and escape response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Patten Lambert
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA.
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Kasumovic M, Brooks R. It's All Who You Know: The Evolution Of Socially Cued Anticipatory Plasticity As A Mating Strategy. QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2011; 86:181-97. [DOI: 10.1086/661119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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19
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Abstract
Terrestrial and aquatic arthropods sense fluid flow in many behavioral and ecological contexts, using dedicated, highly sensitive mechanosensory hairs, which are often abundant. Strong similarities exist in the biomechanics of flow sensors and in the sensory ecology of insects, arachnids, and crustaceans in their respective fluid environments. We extend these considerations to flow in sand and its implications for flow sensing by arthropods inhabiting this granular medium. Finally, we highlight the need to merge the various findings of studies that have focused on different arthropods in different fluids. This could be achieved using the unique combination, for sensory ecology, of both a workable and well-accepted mathematical model for hair-based flow sensing, both in air and water, and microelectronic mechanical systems microtechnology to tinker with physical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Casas
- University of Tours, Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, IRBI UMR CNRS 6035, Tours, France.
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20
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Hill PSM. How do animals use substrate-borne vibrations as an information source? Naturwissenschaften 2009; 96:1355-71. [PMID: 19593539 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-009-0588-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2008] [Revised: 06/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Animal communication is a dynamic field that promotes cross-disciplinary study of the complex mechanisms of sending and receiving signals, the neurobiology of signal detection and processing, and the behaviors of animals creating and responding to encoded messages. Alongside visual signals, songs, or pheromones exists another major communication channel that has been rather neglected until recent decades: substrate-borne vibration. Vibrations carried in the substrate are considered to provide a very old and apparently ubiquitous communication channel that is used alone or in combination with other information channels in multimodal signaling. The substrate could be 'the ground', or a plant leaf or stem, or the surface of water, or a spider's web, or a honeybee's honeycomb. Animals moving on these substrates typically create incidental vibrations that can alert others to their presence. They also may use behaviors to create vibrational waves that are employed in the contexts of mate location and identification, courtship and mating, maternal care and sibling interactions, predation, predator avoidance, foraging, and general recruitment of family members to work. In fact, animals use substrate-borne vibrations to signal in the same contexts that they use vision, hearing, touch, taste, or smell. Study of vibrational communication across animal taxa provides more than just a more complete story. Communication through substrate-borne vibration has its own constraints and opportunities not found in other signaling modalities. Here, I review the state of our understanding of information acquisition via substrate-borne vibrations with special attention to the most recent literature.
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