Tree cricket baffles are manufactured tools

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2018
Authors:Mhatre
Secondary Authors:Bertram
Journal:Ethology
Volume:124
Issue:9
Pagination:691 - 693
Date Published:Jan-09-2018
Abstrakt:

Tree crickets use sound to attract mates and make acoustic baffles to increase their sound production efficiency. It has been recently discovered that these insects use a flexible yet inherited behavioural programme to make acoustically optimal baffles. Whether these baffles qualify as tools, however, remains controversial. Here, baffle‐using and baffle‐making behaviours are analysed using the most current and authoritative definition of tool use. The current definition of tool use does not require the tool to be detached from the substrate and includes attached but manipulable external objects. Given this schema, tree cricket baffles, which are attached but manipulated prior to use, must be considered tools. The mode of manufacture for a baffle is “Subtract,” and the mode of use is “Drape”.

URL:http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/eth.2018.124.issue-9
DOI:10.1111/eth.2018.124.issue-910.1111/eth.12773
Short Title:Ethology
BioAcoustica ID: 
Taxonomic name: 
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith