Patterns of aggregation behaviour in six species of cockroach: comparing two experimental approaches

摘要: Cockroaches (Blattaria) are considered universally gregarious insects. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that even related species and/or males and females of same may exhibit different aggregation patterns. We compared behaviour in six cockroach belonging to three groups: Eublaberus, Blaberus, Gromphadorhina-Princisia (all Blaberidae). For comparison, binary choice free arena tests were used. The results revealed blaberid clades clearly differed their Females Eublaberus aggregated, whereas only a low tendency was recorded conspecific males. Both sexes Blaberus especially when arena. Madagascar hissing cockroaches clade not – entirely absent two studied Princisia vanwaerebeki van Herrewege, weakly demonstrated Gromphadorhina portentosa (Schaum). observed patterns with previous reports concerning social species.