Condition dependence of (un)predictability in escape behavior of a grasshopper species

(Un)predictability has only recently been recognized as an important dimension of animal behavior. Currently, we neither know if (un)predictability encompasses one or multiple traits nor how (un)predictability is dependent on individual conditions. Knowledge about condition dependence, in particular, could inform us about whether predictability or unpredictability is costly in a specific context. Here, we study the condition dependence of (un)predictability in the escape behavior of the steppe grasshopper Chorthippus dorsatus. Predator–prey interactions represent a behavioral context in which we expect unpredictability to be particularly beneficial. By exposing grasshoppers to an immune challenge, we explore if individuals in poor condition become more or less predictable. We quantified three aspects of escape behavior (flight initiation distance, jump distance, and jump angle) in a standardized setup and analyzed the data using a multivariate double-hierarchical generalized linear mode..., In order to test the condition-dependence of (un)predictability, we exposed steppe grasshoppers Chorthippus dorsatus to an immune challenge (n = 66) and recorded the effect of the treatment on three escape behavior traits, in comparison to untreated individuals (n = 66). Individuals were sampled as nymphs in June/July 2021 from Jena, Germany. Subjects were transferred to the laboratory, separated by sex, and maintained in groups of up to about 60 individuals in large mesh cages of dimensions 47.5 x 47.5 x 93 cm3. After their final molt, individuals were transferred in pairs of the same sex and the same final molt date to smaller mesh cages of dimensions 22 x 16 x 16 cm3. Individuals were maintained with ad libitum access to freshly cut grass provided in small vials with water and a water tube for moisture. Dead individuals and individuals that lost legs were replaced, if possible, with other individuals that matched the cage mate. When a replacement was impossible, the remaining cage ma..., Recommended to save the .txt file in .csv format to align column data
The dataset consists of a total of 1163 observations.TrialID refers to each observation.IndID refers to the identification number of each individual.FID is the flight initiation distance in centimeters, defined as the minimum distance between the chaser and the grasshopper before the grasshopper jumped.JumpDistance is the jump's length in centimeters, defined as the distance between the point where the jump started and where the grasshopper landedJumpAngle is the angle of the jump direction in degrees in relation to the initial grasshopper body position. Straight jumps scored 0ᵒ, while negative values marked jumps to the left, and positive values jumps to the right.JumpOrder refers to the sequential number of jumps within the 10 trials of an individual.JumpYN indicates if the grasshopper jumped or not during that trial (Y = jumped, N = didn't jump). Sex is coded as M for males and F for females.Treatment refers whethe...