Relationship between body temperature and air temperature in stridulating male crickets, Gryllus bimaculatus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

Abstract

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Body temperatures of singing male Gryllus bimaculatus were measured for the first time. Body temperatures were strongly correlated with ambient temperature. This indicates that, unlike some other orthopterans, larger crickets are not dependent on an elevated body temperature for efficient calling. Our results confirm that it is reasonable to use ambient temperature as an approximation of body temperature in behavioural and bioacoustics studies. ******* AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die liggaamstemperatuur van Gryllus bimaculatus kriekmannetjies is vir die eerste keer gemeet terwyl hulle gekriek het. Liggaamstemperatuur was sterk gekorreleer met omgewingstemperatuur. Dit blyk dat groot krieke nie, soos sommige ander Orthoptera, afhanklik is van 'n hoe liggaamstemperatuur vir doeltreffende stridulasie nie. Ons resultate bevestig dat omgewingstemperatuur as 'n direkte maatstaf van liggaamstemperatuur gebruik kan word tydens gedrags- of bio-akoestiese studies met krieke.