NEW YORK: Researchers studying the behaviour of the insects have discovered that far from simply being a homogenous mass they have individual character traits.
The discovery is unlikely to change perceptions of them from skittering vermin to desirable beasts but it could go some way to explaining their evolutionary success.
Scientists observed the character traits as they studied the way the “gregarious insect” seeks shelter when they come out into the open.
If they had the same personalities they would all behave exactly the same when in the open but observations have revealed clear differences.
Some, those classified as shy, keep hidden as much as possible and seek the safety of shelter while the more adventurous are keen to explore their surroundings.
Isaac Planas Sitjà, one of the researchers from the Université libre de Bruxelles which uncovered the personalities, said: “We have categorised the observed personalities. We call them “shy or cautious” and “bold or explorers”.
“Shy individuals are those that spend more time sheltered and explore less the arena or the surroundings. Instead, bold individuals are those that spend most part of the time exploring the surroundings and spend less time sheltered.”
