To read the original article in full go to : 'Wavy Dave' Robot Crab Reveals How Males Compete in Claw-Waving Contest.
Below is a short summary and detailed review of this article written by FutureFactual:
Biomimetic Robot Reveals How Fiddler Crabs Adjust Courtship Signaling to Rivals
Researchers at the University of Exeter used a 3D-printed biomimetic robot crab, nicknamed Wavy Dave, to simulate a rival waving near real fiddler crabs on a southern Portugal mudflat. When the robot waved, male crabs increased their own waving and were less likely to retreat into their burrows, especially when the robot had a smaller claw, indicating they monitor rivals and adjust their signaling accordingly. The study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, suggests crabs assess rivals and adjust their effort in signaling to maximize payoff, and that females prefer larger, quicker displays. Some crabs even attacked the robot, including breaking off its claw, highlighting the challenges of using robotic models in natural settings. Content provided by University of Exeter.