Differences in the decision to attack between grasshopper mice and hamsters: Effects of novel, noxious, and aversive stimuli

Abstract

The decision to attack may operate differently in various species. Certain situations may inhibit an attack in one species more readily than in another. This study examined the inhibitory effects of novel, noxious, and aversive stimuli on the predatory attack responses of grasshopper mice and hamsters. A novel test situation suppressed the attack of hamsters more readily than that of grasshopper mice. Noxious stimuli associated with a stinkbug inhibited a hamster’s attack but not a grasshopper mouse’s. Preexposure to crickets mitigated the inhibitory effects of toxicosis on the attack behavior in grasshopper mice but not in hamsters. Possible reasons for these differences between species are discussed.