Just drop it and run: the effect of limb autotomy on running distance and locomotion energetics of field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus)

P.A. Fleming; P.W. Bateman

doi:10.1242/jeb.02757

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Just drop it and run: the effect of limb autotomy on running distance and locomotion energetics of field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus)

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

Just drop it and run: the effect of limb autotomy on running distance and locomotion energetics of field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus)

P.A. Fleming and P.W. Bateman

Journal of Experimental Biology, Vol.210(8), pp.1446-1454

2007

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.02757

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Abstract

This is the first study to examine the direct metabolic costs of autotomy, the voluntary shedding of an appendage as an escape mechanism, in invertebrates. We investigated the effects of limb autotomy upon endurance and metabolic cost of locomotion in the field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. Compared with control (intact) crickets, animals that had autotomised a single hindlimb were slower, stopped more often, moved a shorter distance and expended more energy doing so. Both the cost of locomotion (COT) and minimal cost of locomotion (MCOT) were significantly higher for autotomised animals. We compare these data with locomotion energetics of 36 other invertebrate species, and discuss the results in terms of the biomechanics of walking in crickets.

Details

Title: Just drop it and run: the effect of limb autotomy on running distance and locomotion energetics of field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus)
Authors/Creators: P.A. Fleming (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
P.W. Bateman (Author/Creator) - University of Pretoria
Publication Details: Journal of Experimental Biology, Vol.210(8), pp.1446-1454
Publisher: Company of Biologists
Identifiers: 991005544003807891
Copyright: © The Authors
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.35 Zoology & Animal Ecology; 3.35.434 Sexual Selection
Web Of Science research areas: Biology; Zoology
ESI research areas: Biology & Biochemistry