The Effects of Temperature on Aggressive Behaviour in House Crickets ( Acheta domesticus) Celine Morais, Dalia Timani, Robin Sommerfeld

Originated from northern Africa or southwestern Asia Have spread worldwide Prefer warm and moist conditions -Woodlands, pastures, fields -Inside man-made structures House crickets (Acheta domesticus)

Aggressive Behavior Naturally display aggressive behavior Cricket fighting in China Males compete for suitable mates

Ectothermic organism Body temperature is influenced by their surrounding environment Past studies: Metabolic rates and locomotor activity increased with rising temperatures.

Purpose: To test the effects of temperature on aggression in two male crickets by manipulating the temperature of their environment while in the presence of a female cricket Hypothesis: The intensity and frequency of male-male aggressive behaviour would increase with warmer temperatures and decrease with cooler temperatures. Purpose & Hypothesis

Methods Isolated crickets 24 hours Aggression tanks 2 males + 1 female 10 minutes

Temperature treatments Hot (31 °C) Warm (19 °C) Cold (8 °C)

Behavioural Scaling Level 0: Mutual avoidance Level 1: Pre-established dominance Level 2: Antennal fencing Level 3: Unilateral mandible spreading Level 4: Bilateral mandible spreading Level 5: Mandible locking Level 6: Wrestling Brown et al. (2006)

Hofmann and Schildberger (2001) Adamo and Hoy (1995) Booth and Kiddel (2007) Previous Research Findings

General Conclusions Hypothesis: It was predicted that an increase in intensity and frequency of aggression would be observed as the temperature increased. Overall our hypothesis was supported as an increase in intensity and frequency was observed.

Possible Explanations for Findings Frequency of crickets activity should have been recorded The use of wood shavings or too many wood shavings Lack of accessibility of female

Implications of the Findings Important in understanding energy budgets Cost of aggression in energy budgets on predator-prey interactions