P-29 Does Exposure to Males Change the Phonotactic Response of Female Crickets A. Domesticus Towards Model Calls?

This study investigates phonotaxis in male-exposed females of different ages. Females were tested in a non-compensating treadmill and were exposed to model calls with varying syllable periods (ranging from 30 – 90 ms). It has been proposed the presence of males significantly reduces phonotaxis by females. However, preliminary results suggest this is not the case. There seems to be an age difference in the response of the females. While young crickets demonstrate higher levels of selectivity, favoring the most attractive range of calls, old females are considerably less selective. Additionally, intensity of the call may also affect selectivity of phonotaxis. Implications of these results are discussed.