Influence of vibratory signals on the phonotaxis of the gryllid Gryllus bimaculatus DeGeer (Ensifera: Gryllidae).

Biophysical measurements exhibit that males of the ground-living gryllid Gryllus bimaculatus DeGeer (Ensifera: Gryllidae) produce vibratory signals while stridulating. Transmitted via the ground, these signals are perceiveable for conspecifics at a distance of a few dm. Experiments on the phonotactic behaviour of females of this species reveal that vibratory signals do influence this phonotactic behaviour pattern when no other directional cue is available. The significance of vibratory signals for the orientation of the gryllid in the biotope is discussed.