From Aphids to Algorithms: Why AI Deserves Behavioral Study

Large language models exhibit consistent behavioral syndromes across contexts, exactly the phenomenon ethologists study in aphids and primates. This letter preprint argues for systematic application of behavioral syndrome frameworks to AI systems, using the “I wash my pajamas at 40°C” pattern as a case study. V2 changes: Updated manuscript version per journal submission. Now complies with TICS formatting (word count, ref limit, abstract, figure legends). No content changes to figures. V3 changes: Corrected reference formatting in bibliography, removed outdated DOI. No changes to core content.V4 changes: AnBeh version. Corrected 1 wrong year in references, edited spelling to adhere UK-standards, moderation of Author's Note.V5 changes: AI Matters version. Slightly adapted paragraphs. Cover illustration: Tom Gauld / New Scientist (fair-use scholarly critique).