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Cut your losses: self-amputation of injured limbs increases survival

Author

Listed:
  • Zachary Emberts
  • Christine W. Miller
  • Daniel Kiehl
  • Colette M. St. Mary

Abstract

Lay SummaryHere, we show that one species of leaf-footed bug can self-amputate an injured limb to reduce the cost of injury. Other benefits of self-amputation include escaping predation and escaping entrapment. By identifying different benefits of this behavior, we stand to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how such an extreme trait evolves.

Suggested Citation

  • Zachary Emberts & Christine W. Miller & Daniel Kiehl & Colette M. St. Mary, 2017. "Cut your losses: self-amputation of injured limbs increases survival," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 28(4), pages 1047-1054.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:beheco:v:28:y:2017:i:4:p:1047-1054.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/beheco/arx063
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kerstin Wasson & Bruce E. Lyon, 2005. "Flight or fight: flexible antipredatory strategies in porcelain crabs," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 16(6), pages 1037-1041, November.
    2. Lutz Fromhage & Jutta M. Schneider, 2006. "Emasculation to plug up females: the significance of pedipalp damage in Nephila fenestrata," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 17(3), pages 353-357, May.
    3. Tara Lynne Maginnis, 2006. "The costs of autotomy and regeneration in animals: a review and framework for future research," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 17(5), pages 857-872, September.
    4. Stefan H. Nessler & Gabriele Uhl & Jutta M. Schneider, 2007. "Genital damage in the orb-web spider Argiope bruennichi (Araneae: Araneidae) increases paternity success," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 18(1), pages 174-181, January.
    5. Kerstin Wasson & Bruce E. Lyon & Matthew Knope, 2002. "Hair-trigger autotomy in porcelain crabs is a highly effective escape strategy," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 13(4), pages 481-486, July.
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