Female Crickets Research Articles

Age-dependent body mass changes in adult blackfield crickets Teleogryllus commodus (Walker) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

Body mass should not be regarded as constant during an adult insect's life span. To investigate this hypothesis in blackfield crickets Teleogryllus commodus (Walker, 1869), the mean body mass (mg) of a cohort of adult male (n=20) and single-mated female (n=20) crickets was measured daily for 60 days from adult moult to late senescence. Both male and female crickets increased in body mass during the first 20 days and then showed a continuous decrease in body mass. Whilst any body mass gained between prematurity (P) (first 5 days) and sexual maturity (SM) (day 6 to 40) phases was not statistically significant in either sex, body mass loss between sexual maturity and senescence (S) (day 41 till death) was statistically significant.

Temperature effects on interspecific eavesdropping in the wild

Abstract Mating signals are targets of conspecific signal recognition and sexual selection, but are also subject to abiotic temperature effects and to biotic interspecific eavesdroppers. In crickets, the male calling song becomes faster at warmer temperatures, and female crickets’ recognition of male song tracks temperature in a coordinated manner, termed ‘temperature coupling.’ But female crickets are not the only ecologically relevant listeners: some cricket species are parasitized by Ormia ochracea, a parasitoid fly which finds its cricket hosts by eavesdropping on male cricket song. How temperature affects parasitoid fly phonotaxis to song is largely unexplored, with only one previous study conducted under field conditions. Here we explore six possible patterns of thermal effects on fly responses to cricket song, including temperature coupling, using field playbacks of synthetic Gryllus lineaticeps songs designed to be species-typical at various temperatures. We find that temperature does affect fly response, but that the temperature deviation of songs from ambient does not impact numbers of flies caught. We extend this finding by comparing the temperatures of the air (where flies search for their hosts) and the ground (where their host crickets signal) to show that temperature coupling is unlikely to be effective given microhabitat variation and differential rates of cooling in the evening hours when flies are most active. Our results can be interpreted more broadly to suggest (i) temperature effects on intraspecific communication systems may be more tightly coupled than are effects on interspecific eavesdropping, and (ii) variation in thermal microhabitats in the field make it difficult to translate laboratory physiological responses to natural selection in the wild.

Incidence and risk factors for symptomatic lumbar bone stress injury in female and male youth cricket bowlers

Incidence and risk factors for symptomatic lumbar bone stress injury in female and male youth cricket bowlers

Breast-related issues in female international cricket players: prevalence, severity, and perceived effect on performance

Breast-related issues in female international cricket players: prevalence, severity, and perceived effect on performance

Interacting phenotypic plasticities: Do male and female responses to the sociosexual environment interact to determine fitness?

Socially induced plasticity in reproductive effort is a widely documented phenomenon. However, few empirical studies have examined how male and female plastic responses to the social environment might interact in determining fitness outcomes. In field crickets, Teleogryllus oceanicus, males respond to rival song by increasing expenditure on seminal fluid proteins that enhance competitive fertilization success at the cost of reduced embryo survival. It remains unknown whether plastic responses in females could moderate the effects of male competitiveness on offspring performance. Here we used a fully factorial design to explore the interacting effects on fitness of male and female plasticity to the sociosexual environment. We found that female crickets exposed to male song increased the number of eggs produced during early life reproduction, which came at a cost of reduced offspring size. There was evidence, albeit weak, that interacting effects of male and female sociosexual environment contributed to variation in the hatching success of eggs laid by females. Lifetime offspring production was unaffected by the sociosexual environments to which upstream male and female plastic responses were made. Our data offer a rare test of the theoretical expectation that male and female plasticities should interact in their effects on female fitness.

In pursuit of precısion: assessing the impact of physical attributes on change of direction speed ın women's cricket

Cricket demands a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and precision, with physical fitness crucial in achieving sports excellence. While previous research has highlighted the importance of physical attributes such as speed, explosive power, and agility, the complex interactions between these factors about change of direction speed (CODS) still need to be better understood. This study investigated the relationship between CODS and key physical measures among female cricket players, providing insights into the factors influencing athletic performance in cricket. Thirty female cricketers (aged 16-26 years) participated in the study, undergoing assessments of CODS, speed, vertical jump, and broad jump. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression analysis, and ANOVA, were employed to examine the relationships between these physical measures and CODS. Reliability was deemed to be poor (<0.3), moderate (0.4<0.6), and strong (0.7≤) based on prior research. Significant positive correlations were observed between agility and acceleration and maximal speed tests, underscoring the importance of speed in cricket performance. Furthermore, moderate to strong negative correlations were found between CODS and explosive lower body power tests, highlighting the significance of lower body explosiveness for rapid directional shifts in cricket. Regression analysis revealed that speed, broad jump, and vertical jump collectively contributed to a strong predictive model for agility. Enhancing speed, explosive power, and agility through targeted training interventions could improve cricket players' on-field performance and competitive edge. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the complex interactions between physical attributes and cricket performance, offering practical insights for player development and strategic improvement. Key Words: Change of Direction Speed; Physical Attributes; Explosive Power; Agility

The Effect of Plyometric and Ladder Drill Training on the Agility of Female Cricket Athletes in Terms of Leg Power

The Effect of Plyometric and Ladder Drill Training on the Agility of Female Cricket Athletes in Terms of Leg Power

The pre-season variation in physical performance of an elite level female cricket squad

Cricket is as an endurance sport comprising intermittent bursts of speed and power. The introduction of new formats of varying duration and intensity means the physical demands of cricket can vary. Regardless of format, it is agreed that the high-intensity efforts involved in elite level cricket require high levels of lower-body strength and power, and upper-body strength and rotational power (Herridge et al., 2020, J Strength Cond Res, 34, 2285-2293). Previous research has demonstrated that physical qualities can vary throughout seasonal periods (Herridge et al., 2020; Carr et al., 2017, Int J Sports Phys Perf, 12, 50-55) due to training effects. Based on this small body of research, physical performance in common performance tests seem to plateau or decrease across a season, whereas performance tends to increase in the off- and pre-season. This suggests that the off- and pre-season are key phases whereby practitioners can positively influence physical qualities of cricketers. However, despite the growth of the female format, the only studies to have explored the variations in physical qualities have been focused on male cricket. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the pre-seasonal variation in the physical performance of female cricket players. 10 elite level female cricketers (age = 23 ± 4 years, stature = 166 ± 7 cm, mass = 71 ± 7 kg) performed a testing battery at 3 points during the pre-season (October – Time point (TP) 1, December – TP 2, February – TP 3). Three trials of bilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ), unilateral CMJ (UCMJ), squat jump (SJ), 10/5 repeated jump test (RJT), Nordic hamstring test (NHT), and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Data were analysed via a repeated measure ANOVA with post-hoc analysis where appropriate. Improvements (P < 0.005) were evident in peak CMJ and mean jump height, right UCMJ peak jump height, and peak and mean force in the left and right leg in the NHT. Non-significant improvements were seen in several other metrics across time points. The ES for differences in physical tests between T1 and T2 ranged from ES = −0.09 to 0.61, T1 and T3 ranged from ES = −0.05 to 1.04, and T2 and T3 ranged from ES = −0.03 to 0.83. The results of this study showed select strength-power metrics in elite female cricketers significantly changed across time points during the pre-season, suggesting desirable adaptations to strength-based training phases.

H7 modulation of the L3 auditory neuron and phonotaxis in the cricket Acheta domesticus

AbstractSeveral studies have implicated the L3 auditory interneuron in the regulation of syllable period selective phonotaxis in female cricket Acheta domesticus. The L3's response to model calls of conspecific males comprises of an immediate and a prolonged response. The kinetics of activation of these electrical activities are consistent with sequential activation of ionotropic and metabotropic mechanisms. In this study, we used electrophysiological and pharmacological tools to investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying L3's response. Bath application of the synthetic protein kinase inhibitor 1‐(5‐isoquinolinesul‐fonyl)‐2‐methylpiperazine (H7), results in the suppression of L3's spiking response, and this effect can be reversed by saline wash. Additionally, when female A. domesticus that were previously nano‐injected with H7 were tested for phonotaxis on a non‐compensating treadmill, they demonstrated suppression of syllable period‐dependent phonotaxis. These findings implicate protein kinase in the regulation of L3's spiking rhythm and the associated phonotaxis in A. domesticus.

Physical Profiles of All-Rounders, Batters, and Bowlers in Sub-Elite Women's Cricket.

Jacobs, J, Olivier, B, Brandt, C, and Jafta, G. Physical profiles of all-rounders, batters, and bowlers in sub-elite women's cricket. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1095-1102, 2024-The unique physical profile of each player's role in sub-elite women's cricket is vital for optimizing performance as these players progress to the elite levels. This quantitative, cross-sectional study investigates the physical profiles of sub-elite women's cricket players as a group and compares these profiles across different player roles. Sub-elite female cricket players in the South African domestic women's cricket league were included in this study. A battery of physical assessments were conducted at the start of the 2022/23 season. The physical assessments included body composition, individual muscle strength testing using dynamometry, 2-km time trial (TT), countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg jump (SLJ), isometric mid-thigh pull, push-up, and hop test on force plates. A total of 44 female players (20.86 ± 1.6 years) were included in the study. Differences were found in muscle mass (p = 0.004) and peak power (p = 0.040) for all-rounders and bowlers. Player roles presented with different dominant (p = 0.006) and non-dominant (p = 0.066) knee flexion strength. The bowlers' body composition and physical strength profile are compromised compared with batters and all-rounders. There were several physical strength and power differences between pace and spin bowlers in CMJ and SLJ tests for jump height (p = 0.009) and peak power (p = 0.006). Batters performed the best in the 2-km TT. Body composition and musculoskeletal profiles for each player role can be baseline markers in sub-elite women's cricket. Stakeholders can use this information to guide physical preparation for players advancing to elite levels.

Physiological and Perceptual Demands During a Simulated “The Hundred” Batting Work-Bout in Female Cricketers

Abstract Purpose No research has investigated the physiological and perceptual demands of female cricket players at any level or for any format, making this study unique. This is despite the growth in popularity and professionalism of the women’s game. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the physiological (heart rate, oxygen consumption) and perceptual (ratings of perceived exertion, body discomfort) demands of female cricketers during a simulated “The Hundred” protocol. Methods Twenty female cricketers (age: 19 ± 4.53 years, stature: 167.90 ± 7.28 cm; mass: 67.30 ± 13.51 kg) currently playing for a first-class county cricket club were recruited. The protocol consisted of six sets and was designed to mimic the nonpowerplay phase of a women’s “Hundred” match. Throughout the protocol selected physiological and perceptual responses were recorded. Results Heart rate responses increased significantly (P < 0.05) from the first set (149 ± 14 beats/min) until the end of the third set (167 ± 10 beats/min). A further significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed between set three (167 ± 10 beats/min) and set six (165 ± 12 beats/min). Oxygen uptake responses increased significantly (P < 0.05) from set one (22.06 ± 7.82 mL/kg/min) until set three (26.30 ± 7.58 mL/kg/min). A significant difference (P < 0.05) was also observed between set three and all the other sets. Central ratings of perceived exertion increased significantly (P < 0.05) throughout the protocol (9 ± 1.83–13 ± 3.17). Body discomfort, results indicated that the quadriceps and calves were the areas that felt the most discomfort during the protocol. Conclusion In conclusion, the design of training programs should mimic the demandsof the women?s format of the game and focus on individualised exercise preparation.

Injury profiles in sub-elite Women's Cricket: Exploring incidence, prevalence, nature, onset and body region

IntroductionThe rise in participation in sports, like women's cricket, is linked with increased injury risk. Providing high-level longitudinal data is the first step in implementing evidence-based injury prevention strategies. DesignProspective cohort study. ObjectiveThis cohort study aims to describe the injury profiles in sub-elite women's cricket in South Africa during the 2022/23 season. MethodsInjuries were prospectively recorded using injury surveillance questionnaires, injury surveillance database, and logbooks completed by each team's medical staff. Injury rates were investigated for match and training days, body region, player role, nature, and activity at the time of injury. ResultsThree teams with a total of 44 players (20.86 ± 1.6 years) were included in the study. Injury incidence was 85.23 per 1000 player match days, 15.91 for match time-loss and 69.32 for non-time-loss, with 2.95% of players unavailable for match selection on any day. Fast bowlers had the highest injury incidence. Fielding caused 46.67% of all injuries. Injury incidence was higher in training than in matches. The wrist/hand had the highest injury incidence and caused the most match time-loss. ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights regarding the current injury rates in sub-elite female cricket players.

The kinematic relationships of ball release speed in elite female cricket pace bowlers

The ability of a pace bowler to deliver the cricket ball at faster speeds is linked with improved match performance as they require less deliveries to take a wicket and concede less runs per wicket taken. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between ball release speed and selected pace bowling kinematics in 19 elite female pace bowlers. Participants bowled 18 match-intensity deliveries indoors from a full run-up. Peak ball release speed and three-dimensional pace bowling kinematic data were extracted from six deliveries that met specific selection criteria. Linear and non-linear relationships were assessed between ball release speed and selected pace bowling kinematics. Ball release speed was associated linearly with pelvis orientation at back foot contact ( r2 = 0.34, p = 0.048) and non-linearly with thoraco-pelvic lateral flexion at front foot flat ( r2 = 0.69, p < 0.001). Compared to their slower counterparts, faster elite female pace bowlers were more side-on at back foot contact and more upright in the frontal plane at front foot flat. A side-on pelvis orientation at back foot landing is likely to permit greater whole-body angular momentum in the transverse plane of motion. A more upright trunk orientation at front foot flat may be indicative of delayed onset of trunk flexion and representative of optimal segmental sequencing to maximise ball release speed. This knowledge is likely to be useful in the coaching and development of female pace bowlers for the purposes of enhancing ball release speed and therefore match performance.

Hot and scared: how do heatwaves and predation risk impact resource acquisition and allocation?

Heatwaves are increasingly prevalent and can constrain investment into important life-history traits. In addition to heatwaves, animals regularly encounter threats from other organisms in their environments, such as predators. The combination of these two environmental factors introduces a decision-making conflict-heat exposure requires more food intake to fuel investment into fitness-related traits, but foraging in the presence of predators increases the threat of mortality. Thus, we used female variable field crickets (Gryllus lineaticeps) to investigate the effects of heatwaves in conjunction with predation risk (exposed food and water sources, and exposure to scent from black widow spiders, Latrodectus hesperus) on resource acquisition (food intake) and allocation (investment into ovarian and somatic tissues). A simulated heatwave increased food intake and the allocation of resources to reproductive investment. Crickets exposed to high predation risk reduced food intake, but they were able to maintain reproductive investment at an expense to investment into somatic tissue. Thus, heatwaves and predation risk deprioritized investment into self-maintenance, which may impair key physiological processes. This study is an important step towards understanding the ecology of fear in a warming world.

Monoaminergic Systems in Flight-Induced Potentiation of Phonotactic Behavior in Female Crickets Gryllus bimaculatus.

We have recently shown that experience of flight remarkably enhanced subsequent terrestrial phonotaxis in females in response to the male calling song. Here, we elucidated the possible roles of octopamine and serotonin in the enhancing effect of flying on phonotactic behavior. Octopamine is known to be released into the hemolymph during flight in insects; however, the octopamine receptor antagonist epinastine did not abolish the effects of flight in our study. On the contrary, the drug significantly potentiated the influence of flying on phonotactic behavior. The octopamine receptor agonist chlordimeform, at a concentration of 2 mM, which was previously found to activate aggression in crickets, dramatically reduced the phonotactic response. However, at a 10-times-lower dose, chlordimeform produced a light but significant decrease in the time that females took to reach the source of the calling song. A similar effect was produced by octopamine itself, which hardly passes the blood-brain barrier in insects. The effect of flight was completely abolished in female crickets treated with alpha-methyl tryptophan (AMTP). AMPT suppresses the synthesis of serotonin, decreasing its content in the nervous systems of insects, including crickets. An activation of the serotonin synthesis with 5-hydroxytryptophan mimicked the effect of flight by increasing the number of visits to and the time spent in the zone near the source of the calling song. The 5-HT content in the third thoracic ganglion was significantly higher in flyers compared to the control group. In contrast, no changes in the octopamine level were observed in the third thoracic ganglion, which is known to play a crucial role in decision-making involved in intraspecific interactions. Therefore, the results suggest that although octopamine is known to be released into the hemolymph during flight, it is likely to inhibit rather than activate the central mechanisms related to phonotaxis. The weak facilitating effect of a low dose of chlordimeform can be attributed to the activation of peripheral octopaminergic receptors. Our results suggest that the serotoninergic system may contribute to the facilitation of female phonotactic behavior by flying. We suggest that both flying and serotonin enhance sexual motivation in females and, by these means, impact their behavioral response to the male calling song.

Mood States (POMS) Condition Profile Analysis of Senior Women's Cricket Athletes in East Java before The North Aceh Sumatra PON 2024

One factor that could affect an athlete’s mental and emotional readiness is mood. Mood profile for Cricket athletes is an important factor that needs to be analyzed. An athlete’s mood can affect their overall performance. A positive mood can increase focus, motivation,and self-confidence, while a negative mood can hinder an athlete’s abilities and affect desired results. The aim of this research is to determine the condition of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) of East Java Female Senior Cricket Athletes before the 2024 Aceh North Sumatra PON. This research method uses descriptive quantitative research with seventeen athletes as the sample in the research and limited only to East Java Senior Female Cricket Athletes. The results of the research shows that the “Medium” category with the highest percentage is the anger indicator (AMR) at 72.27%, and the confused mood indicator (SSB) at 72.10%. Indicators with a medium percentage include indicators of full energy (PNT), self-assessment (PDR), and depression (DPS) of 70.59%. The percentage of fatigue indicators (KLH) was 69.08% and the indicator with the lowest category was the tension indicator (KTG) at 68.07%. The conclusion of the research on Profile of Mood States (POMS) Condition Analysis for East Java Women’s Senior Cricket Athletes before the 2024 Aceh North Sumatra PON was in “Medium” condition. Negative mood conditions in the “Medium” category such as fatigue, anger, tension, confusion and depression indicate that athletes are not feeling stressed mentally and physically. Meanwhile, positive mood conditions in the “Medium” category make athletes have a good mood, such as being full of energy and self-confidence. This is possible because the training portion is good and the conditions for the 2024 Aceh North Sumatra PON are still quite long. So, there are still many athletes who experience good mood conditions.

Effect of Plyometric Training on Flexibility of Balochistan Female Cricket Athletes

The study sought to determine the impact of a 12-week plyometric workout regimen on the flexibility of female cricket players in Balochistan. Twenty participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group that received plyometric workouts, and a control group that wasn't involved in any specific physical activity program. Flexibility was assessed using the sit-and-reach test, and anthropometric characteristics were measured before and after the training period. The results showed a significant increase in flexibility in the experimental group compared to the control group. Additionally, the experimental group exhibited significant changes in weight and waist-hip ratio post-intervention. These findings suggest that plyometric training can effectively improve flexibility in female cricket athletes.Additional studies might concentrate on the long-term consequences of plyometric training and address potential limitations such as diet and weather conditions to enhance understanding further.

A novel cricket morph has diverged in song and wing morphology across island populations.

Divergence of sexual signals between populations can lead to speciation, yet opportunities to study the immediate aftermath of novel signal evolution are rare. The recent emergence and spread of a new mating song, purring, in Hawaiian populations of the Pacific field cricket (Teleogryllus oceanicus) allows us to investigate population divergence soon after the origin of a new signal. Male crickets produce songs with specialized wing structures to attract mates from afar (calling) and entice them to mate when found (courtship). However, in Hawaii, these songs also attract an eavesdropping parasitoid fly (Ormia ochracea) that kills singing males. The novel purring song, produced with heavily modified wing morphology, attracts female crickets but not the parasitoid fly, acting as a solution to this conflict between natural and sexual selection. We've recently observed increasing numbers of purring males across Hawaii. In this integrative field study, we investigated the distribution of purring and the proportion of purring males relative to other morphs in six populations on four islands and compared a suite of phenotypic traits (wing morphology, calling song and courtship song) that make up this novel signal across populations of purring males. We show that purring is found in varying proportions across five, and is locally dominant in four, Hawaiian populations. We also show that calling songs, courtship songs and wing morphology of purring males differ geographically. Our findings demonstrate the rapid pace of evolution in island populations and provide insights into the emergence and divergence of new sexual signals over time.

Activity-aggression behavioural syndromes exist in males but not in females of the field cricket Teleogryllus emma.

Previous studies on sex differences in behaviour have largely focused on differences in average behaviours between sexes. However, males and females can diverge not only in average behaviours but also in the direction of behavioural correlations at the individual level (i.e. behavioural syndromes). Behavioural syndromes, with their potential to constrain the independent evolution of behaviours, may play a role in shaping sex-specific responses to selection and contributing to the development of sex differences in behaviour. Despite the pivotal role of behavioural syndromes in the evolution of sexual dimorphism in behaviour, robust empirical evidence of sex differences in behavioural syndromes based on repeated measurements of behaviours is scarce. In this study, we conducted repeated measurements of activity and aggression in male and female field crickets Teleogryllus emma, providing evidence of sex differences in the existence of behavioural syndromes. Males exhibited a significantly positive behavioural syndrome between activity and aggression, whereas females, in contrast, did not show any aggressive behaviour, resulting in the absence of such a syndrome. The sex differences in the existence of the activity-aggression behavioural syndromes in this species could be attributed to differences in selection. Selection favouring more active and aggressive males may have shaped a positive activity-aggression behavioural syndrome in males, whereas the absence of selection favouring female aggression may have resulted in the absence of aggression and the related behavioural syndrome in females. However, given the plasticity of behaviour with changes in age or the environment, further research is needed to explore how sex differences in the existence of activity-aggression behavioural syndromes change across contexts. Furthermore, understanding the genetic underpinning of sex differences in a behavioural syndrome would be pivotal to assess the role of behavioural syndromes in the evolution of sexual dimorphism in behaviours.

The effect of a sports bra intervention on perceived breast pain and movement, and bra comfort and support in elite female cricket players

The effect of a sports bra intervention on perceived breast pain and movement, and bra comfort and support in elite female cricket players