GALA – Result Table and R Script

Field experiments are key to fully understanding insect behavior because they represent a more natural scenario than lab conditions. However, field experiments are often challenging or even impossible because of harsh field conditions, complexity, and costs. Here we introduce GALA (GAzebo LAtino) – a low-budget, user-friendly, and portable device to record high-quality behavioral videos in challenging weather. We tested GALA by recording videos of ant species attracted to protein baits in two configurations, with and without GALA. In both conditions, we visually compared video quality by assessing factors such as over-exposition, shadowing, reflections, and blurring. We also examined the advantage of using GALA in harsh weather by recording ants foraging for protein baits in the Patagonian steppe, a region characterized by strong winds and high variation in sunlight, temperature, and humidity. The use of GALA significantly increased the video quality, correcting over-exposition, shadowing, reflections, and blurring. GALA effectively minimized environmental noise by blocking wind speed, adjusting illumination to optimal recording levels, and reducing fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Moreover, GALA boasts several additional strengths—it is straightforward to assemble and transport, and its materials are affordable (US$ 68). Apart from ant species, GALA is suitable for recording the behavior of other terrestrial arthropods and even small mammals and reptiles. The use of low-budget, user-friendly, and portable devices such as GALA allows us to <i>bring the lab to the field</i>, enhancing our understanding of animal behavior in the wild.