A Study of the Behaviour of the Australian Field Cricket Teleogryllus commodus (Walker) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) in the Field and in Habitat Simulations

Abstract

Abstract and SummaryThe behaviour of T. commodus (Walker) in the field and in simulated natural habitats is described. Regular predictable sequences of behaviour are represented by an ethogram.Most behaviour was centred around burrows or sheltered sites. Burrows appeared to be a limiting resource and there may be behavioural dimorphism in ♂ ♂ (burrower and non‐burrower strategies).Individuals were found to form gregarious clusters and appeared to be attracted to areas already occupied by crickets. Territorial spacing and other social interactions occurred within these clusters.♂ ♂ and ♀ ♀ were found to be mobile, and moved continually between sites. The movement of ♂ ♂ and ♀ ♀ between burrows (calling sites) was measured. Adult ♂ ♂ never remained at a burrow for longer than two days. In simulated natural habitats ♂ ♂ moved in response to two factors: first, and most common, as a result of eviction by other ♂ ♂ second, as a response to the absence of ♀ ♀. When cricket density was increased in habitat simulations crickets clustered at calling sites.The adaptive significance of T. commodus behaviour is discussed.