Studying Octopus Hunting Behavior

Octopuses are excellent hunters, using their eight arms to capture prey. A recent study by MSI PI Trevor Wardill (assistant professor, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior) investigated this hunting procedure in order to find out if they prefer to use certain arms, instead of using all their arms equally. The study revealed a definite preference for certain arms, as well as different techniques based on what prey they are hunting. A story about this project can be found on the University of Minnesota News website: Octopuses Prefer Certain Arms When Hunting and Adjust Tactics to Prey. This research’s findings will help in the development of new soft robots and underwater vehicles.

Professor Wardill uses MSI resources to study visual circuit components in flies and to investigate how cephalopods express signals on their skin.