I'd wager that an insect reacting and avoiding a tree without being aware that it is a tree is possible and advantageous, but being aware of trees brings a planning advantage that simple reactions can't provide.
IIRC the portia spider can plan a route to a prey, and follow it even if the prey is not in plain sight all the time, which allows it to be a moore successful predator. IMO that implies some level awareness of its environment.
IIRC the portia spider can plan a route to a prey, and follow it even if the prey is not in plain sight all the time, which allows it to be a moore successful predator. IMO that implies some level awareness of its environment.