Habituation, avoidance learning, and spatial learning in the giant whipscorpion, Mastigoproctus giganteus (Lucas) (Arachnida, Uropygi)

摘要

Studies were conducted on spatial learning in a T-maze (reversal learning) and complex maze, avoidance learning in a shuttle box, and habituation in the whipscorpion Mastigoproctus giganteus. The number of trials and errors required to reach the criterion (70% correct choices) for reversal learning in the T-maze decreased from means of 107.3 and 75,6, respectively (for the first reversal trial), to 38.7 and 21,2, respectively, on the eighth trial Mastigoproctus giganteus also demonstrated the abilityto learn a complex maze with six blind alleys. The percentage of subjects reaching the criterion (3 consecutive trials with fewer than 5 errors) in the complex maze increased from 5% on day 2 of training to 70% on day 14. Mastigoproctus giganteus also demonstrated the ability to learn to move from one compartment to another in a shuttle box to avoid a mild electric shock (avoidance learning) Additionally, results showed habituation of the threat display response after six repeated presentations of a non-aversive stimulus. This was the first demonstration of spatial reversal learning, complex maze learning, shuttle-box avoidance learning, and habituation in a whipscorpion. The suitability of M. giganteus as a model organism for studies on arachnid learning, as well as the adaptive significance of learning, are discussed.