Isolation associated aggression--a consequence of recovery from defeat in a territorial animal.

ABSTRACT: Population density has profound influences on the physiology and behaviour of many animal species. Social isolation is generally reported to lead to increased aggressiveness, while grouping lowers it. We evaluated the effects of varying degrees of isolation and grouping on aggression in a territorial insect, the Mediterranean field cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. Substantiating early observations, we show that dyadic contests between weight-matched, adult male crickets taken from groups rarely escalate beyond threat displays, whereas interactions between pairs of previously isolated crickets typically escalate to physical fights lasting several seconds. No significant differences were found between 1, 2 and 6-day isolates, or between individuals grouped for a few hours or lifelong. Unexpecte

SUBMITTER: Stevenson PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3765410 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature