Abstract
Tool-use in animals is a complex and rare phenomenon, particularly in insects. Tool-use in assassin bugs has been suggested as several species apply adhesive plant resins to their body, which has been hypothesized to function in enhancing prey capture. Here, we staged predatory interactions of resin-deprived and resin-equipped assassin bugs (Gorareduvius sp.) and discovered that applying resin as a tool conveys a clear predatory advantage to the assassin bugs. Gorareduvius sp. can thus be considered a tool-user, and since this behaviour was present in all individuals, including newly hatched nymphs, tool-use can be considered to be stereotyped. Our study, along with others, suggests that, when compared with other insects, tool-use is disproportionately common within the assassin bugs.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 20220608 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-5 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Biology Letters |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Early online date | 26 Apr 2023 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright the Author(s) 2023. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.Keywords
- Gorareduvius
- Reduviidae
- spinifex grass
- stereotypic tool-use
- Triodia