The intelligence of arthropods

[hymenoptera117]

When confronted by a friend on the ethics of collecting we came across a disagreement regarding the intelligence and mental capacity of insects.

I am under the impression that all of their behaviour is innate and relies on a fixed set of responses to particular stimuli and that thye have no ability to reason.

I have been unable to find any reliable and comprehensive info on this topic. So any info on this or if someone could provide links to relavent studies and info that would be appreciated.

Stuart

[Chris Grinter]

I came across a few good posts on your question: bioteaching.wordpress.com/2010/05/03/insect-brains-and-animal-intelligence/

and: news.discovery.com/animals/tiny-insect-brains-intelligence.html

Insects are intelligent, but to a smaller and very different degree than we are. I think the clear difference is the compartmentalization of the insect brain. While capable of fast learning and intricate behaviors the insect brain is not interconnected to a degree to allow for logic or reason. A collected insect is incapable of pondering why it's brief life was cut short.

Ethically collecting is important, but I don't think our perceived intelligence of other animals should inform the taking of voucher specimens. Without being solipsistic, it's impossible to "know" how intelligent another being is or is not. Collecting of dolphin and chimpanzee specimens does not differ from insects on the grounds of intelligence, but for the need for specimens (no modern taxonomic questions can be answered with new specimens), scarcity, and reproductive ability.

The most important thing is to collect humanely and responsibly.

www.animalethics.org.au/policies-and-guidelines/wildlife-research/voucher-specimens

[hymenoptera117]

This is exactly what I'm looking for, thanks.