Grooming behavior in American cockroach is affected by novelty and odor

ScientificWorldJournal. 2014:2014:329514. doi: 10.1155/2014/329514. Epub 2014 Oct 21.

Abstract

The main features of grooming behavior are amazingly similar among arthropods and land vertebrates and serve the same needs. A particular pattern of cleaning movements in cockroaches shows cephalo-caudal progression. Grooming sequences become longer after adaptation to the new setting. Novelty related changes in grooming are recognized as a form of displacement behavior. Statistical analysis of behavior revealed that antennal grooming in American cockroach, Periplaneta americana L., was significantly enhanced in the presence of odor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Exploratory Behavior / physiology*
  • Grooming / physiology*
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology
  • Odorants*
  • Periplaneta / physiology*