Robot 'Wavy Dave' Fools Crabs, Gets Attacked in Mating Claw Contest
A 3D-printed robot crab named “Wavy Dave” was deployed among real fiddler crabs in Portugal to mimic mating displays. The study revealed surprising reactions—rival males waved longer, avoided conflict with larger claws, and even attacked the robot. These findings offer new insights into how crabs adjust their courtship behavior in response to perceived competition in dynamic environments.
