Population divergence in aggregation and sheltering behaviour in surface- versus cave-adapted Asellus aquaticus (Crustacea: Isopoda)

Aggregation (gathering together) and sheltering (hiding in cover) are basic behaviours that can reduce the risk of predation. However, both behaviours have costs, such as increased competition over resources and high prevalence of contact-spread parasites (aggregation) or lost opportunities for foraging and mating (sheltering). Therefore, variation in these behaviours is expected between populations with varying levels of predation risk. We compared aggregation and sheltering in surface- (various predators) and cave-adapted (no predator) populations of the isopod Asellus aquaticus in a common garden experiment. Given that the cave environment is constantly dark, we also tested for population variation in light-induced behavioural plasticity. Variation in sheltering was explained by habitat type: cave individuals sheltered less than surface individuals. We found high between-population variation in aggregation with or without shelters and their light-induced plasticity, which was not explained by habitat type. Cave individuals decreased (habituation) whereas surface individuals increased sheltering with time (sensitization). We suggest that population variation in sheltering is driven by predation, whereas variation in aggregation must be driven by other, unaccounted environmental factors, in a similar manner to light-induced behavioural plasticity. Based on habituation/sensitization patterns, we suggest that predation-adapted populations are more sensitive to disturbance related to routine laboratory procedures.

Automated summary

Aggregation and sheltering are basic behaviors that can reduce the risk of predation, but both have costs. An experiment with different populations of isopods showed variations in aggregation and sheltering behaviors, with sheltering behavior explained by habitat type and aggregation behavior not explained by habitat type. The study also found population differences in light-induced behavioral plasticity, with cave individuals showing habituation and surface individuals showing sensitization over time.