Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on Body Mass in Gryllodes sigillatus

Authors

Jessica L. Venturi, Penn State Altoona
Joyce Zheng, Penn State Altoona

Abstract

Insects use vibrational structures to produce and sense airborne sounds in intraspecific communication. These signals are important in courtship as well as defensive behavior against predators. For example, insects can detect the presence of nearby predators using vibrations. With an increase in anthropogenic activity, processing these signals and the constant threat they represent may increase stress on insects, subsequently affecting their behavior and physiology. Our experiment was designed to determine whether anthropogenic noise, possibly perceived as a stressor, will decrease the body mass of banded crickets, Gryllodes sigillatus. We predicted that the anthropogenic noise would stress the crickets, leading to a decrease in body mass and increase in mortality rate. In this study, we subjected crickets to three different levels of anthropogenic activity for three days: high, low, and negligible. We found no significant difference in body mass or mortality throughout the duration of the experiment.

Recommended Citation

Venturi, Jessica L. and Zheng, Joyce (2023) "Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on Body Mass in Gryllodes sigillatus," Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 9 , Article 15.
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/bjur/vol9/iss1/15