Spatial Cognition In The Burrowing Stomatopod Odontodactylus Scyllarus

Stomatopods are known to build complex burrow systems using a variety of different substrates.  Because their vision is considered to be the most advanced in the animal kingdom, we questioned whether they assembled their burrow based on the color and shape of substrates.  Since we have observed from their burrows that the placement of pieces seems to maximize stability, we predict that they have spatial cognitive capabilities.  Spatial cognition and learning has long been recognized in a variety of animals including rats, squirrels, and recently, cephalopods.  In order to test for spatial cognition in stomatopods, I conducted experiments examining burrow construction in Odontodactylus scyllarus.  Animals constructed burrows using a 50:50 ratio of black and white substrates.  In the first experiment, I combined the black and white pieces in a pile in the center of the tank and observed burrowing behavior.  In the second experiment, I separated the black and white pieces on opposite sides of the tank.  I hypothesized that the stomatopods would prefer the white substrate since it camouflages with the sand better than the black substrate.  Since stomatopods are ambush predators, they benefit more from a cryptic burrow.  By examining spatial cognition in stomatopods, we hope to put their capacity to learn spatial tasks in a comparative context with the cognitive abilities of other animals to better understand the evolution of spatial cognition.