Presentation Details
| Uncovering the ‘baffling’ diversity of a tool-use behaviour in tree crickets Ashlesh Pattanaik1, 2, Taylor McClain3, Jessie C.Tanner1, 2, 4. 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.2Collaborative for Animal Behavior, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.3Department of Plant Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.4Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA |
Abstract
Tool use is associated with potential evolutionary advantages, yet it is relatively rare in insects. To understand the evolution of tool use, it is important to quantify its variation across taxa. Tree crickets make ‘baffles’ with leaves, a tool-use behaviour that increases their calling efficiency. Baffling is categorised into different types based on leaf use and complexity – calling from leaf edge, leaf notch, between two leaves, and self-made holes. Although baffling is shown to be rare within a species, the extent of its variation between species is still unknown. We hypothesise that simpler baffling types should be more widespread than complex, more efficient ones. Using community science, we documented the diversity of baffling in North American tree crickets. We found that the overall prevalence of baffling types decreases from leaf edge to leaf holes. Some species showed more baffling types, while others had one type. Such within- and between-species variation is useful in investigating the plasticity and evolution of baffling across species. Understanding the drivers of variation in novel tool-use traits could potentially explain the role of adaptation in trait evolution.
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