Investigation of mechanisms underlying a light approaching behavior in a house gecko by comparative and learning experiments

Abstract

Nocturnal predators of many taxa are known to come to artificial light at night for foraging on clumped food resources. Both innate and acquired light preferences seem to be possible mechanisms of light approaching behavior although empirical tests are lacking in most nocturnal predators. Here, using a Japanese gecko Gekko japonicus, we investigated whether geckos have a light preference and how foraging experiences under the light reinforce light approaching tendency. In a comparative experiment, there was no difference in light approaching behavior between urban and suburban geckos irrespective of their original light habitats. In an associative learning experiment, geckos did not significantly change light approaching behavior even after repeated opportunities to forage crickets near a lamp in the laboratory setting. These results imply that light approaching behavior of Japanese geckos may not be easily reinforced by foraging experiences under the light. Although we often witness geckos coming to artificial light at night, our findings may not suggest their light preference. Geckos may approach the light-up foraging spot based on other cues relating to the artificial light environment.