Information asymmetry and aggressive behaviour in male house crickets, Acheta domesticus

Aggressive interactions can play an important role in the reproduction of many species. Several factors (e.g. resource value, asymmetries among contestants in fighting ability, and information asymmetry) influence the amount of aggression shown by individuals. In particular, it has been predicted that resident individuals, who presumably have more information about an area than nonresidents, will be more likely to win when the area contains resources of high value. Conversely, invaders, who have incomplete information about an area, should be more likely to win when the resource value is low. Male house crickets, Acheta domesticus, increase their aggressive behaviour in the presence of female chemical cues; thus, we manipulated the amount of chemical cues in a given area and who had information (resident versus invader). Resident males were more aggressive and won more contests when there was a greater amount of female chemical cues. In addition, invader males were more likely to win contests under control conditions with no female cues. Our data suggest that information asymmetry can play an important role in the fighting decisions made by animals. Additionally, our data highlight the multimodal nature of communication in crickets.