Electromagnetic field exposure affects the calling song, phonotaxis, and level of biogenic amines in crickets

Abstract

Overview

The electromagnetic field (EMF) is a ubiquitous environmental stressor whose effects are not fully understood. Particularly, the impact of EMF on insects, which are significant for ecological systems and serve as useful models for experimental studies, has been sparsely explored.

Findings

• In this study, the effects of EMF exposure (50 Hz, 7 mT) on crickets Gryllus bimaculatus were examined.
• Alterations observed in male crickets included changes in the calling song pattern: an increase in the number and a reduction in the duration of song chips by 2.7% and 5%, respectively, compared to the control group.
• Females aged 3 weeks showed attraction to both natural and EMF-modified male calls, whereas younger, 1-week-old virgin females preferred only the modified signals, indicating a possible EMF influence on mate choice.
• Significant modifications were also observed in the brain chemistry of exposed males, with increases in dopamine (50%), tyramine (65%), and serotonin (25%), and a decrease in octopamine levels (25%).

Conclusion

The study concludes that EMF exposure alters critical behaviors and physiological responses in crickets, which could potentially disrupt natural mating patterns and consequently impact the survival and fitness of the species. These findings underscore the pressing need to further explore and understand the broader ecological impacts of EMF exposure.