Size preference for artificial refuges was examined in the adult field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus under laboratory conditions. Blinded crickets were placed individually in a container consisting of a circular arena and six different-sized artificial refuges (triangular tent-like shelters). The crickets were allowed to walk freely inside the container for a constant period. Size preference was evaluated by determining cumulative stay period in each shelter. When the depth of the shelters varied from 60 to 160 mm at 20-mm intervals, and the width was fixed at 30 mm, both males and females tended to remain in relatively longer shelters (≥ 140 mm). Females, in particular, exhibited a distinct preference for the longest shelter (160 mm). The width of the shelters was then varied from 20 to 40 mm at 4-mm intervals, and the depth was fixed at 100 mm. Although males did not show selectivity to specific shelters, females tended to select a shelter with a particular width (32 mm). These results suggest that adults of G. bimaculatus have size preferences for refuges under blinded conditions. However, the preferences may involve sexual differences as well.
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