1
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Tan M, Zhang S, Stevens M, Li D, Tan EJ. Antipredator defences in motion: animals reduce predation risks by concealing or misleading motion signals. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:778-796. [PMID: 38174819 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Motion is a crucial part of the natural world, yet our understanding of how animals avoid predation whilst moving remains rather limited. Although several theories have been proposed for how antipredator defence may be facilitated during motion, there is often a lack of supporting empirical evidence, or conflicting findings. Furthermore, many studies have shown that motion often 'breaks' camouflage, as sudden movement can be detected even before an individual is recognised. Whilst some static camouflage strategies may conceal moving animals to a certain extent, more emphasis should be given to other modes of camouflage and related defences in the context of motion (e.g. flicker fusion camouflage, active motion camouflage, motion dazzle, and protean motion). Furthermore, when motion is involved, defence strategies are not necessarily limited to concealment. An animal can also rely on motion to mislead predators with regards to its trajectory, location, size, colour pattern, or even identity. In this review, we discuss the various underlying antipredator strategies and the mechanisms through which they may be linked to motion, conceptualising existing empirical and theoretical studies from two perspectives - concealing and misleading effects. We also highlight gaps in our understanding of these antipredator strategies, and suggest possible methodologies for experimental designs/test subjects (i.e. prey and/or predators) and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Shichang Zhang
- Centre for Behavioural Ecology & Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, Hubei, China
| | - Martin Stevens
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Daiqin Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Centre for Behavioural Ecology & Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, Hubei, China
| | - Eunice J Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Division of Science, Yale-NUS College, 16 College Avenue West, Singapore, 138527, Singapore
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2
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Hwang Y, Yoo S, Park C, Kang C. Comparative and experimental studies on the relationship between body size and countershading in caterpillars. J Evol Biol 2023; 36:1032-1039. [PMID: 36737844 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Countershading is a gradient of colouration in which the illuminated dorsal surfaces are darker than the unilluminated ventral surface. It is widespread in the animal kingdom and endows the body with a more uniform colour to decrease the chance of detection by predators. Although recent empirical studies support the theory of survival advantage conferred by countershading, this camouflage strategy has evolved only in some of the cryptic animals, and our understanding of the factors that affect the evolution of countershading is limited. This study examined the association between body size and countershading using lepidopteran larvae (caterpillars) as a model system. Specifically, we predicted that countershading may have selectively evolved in large-sized species among cryptic caterpillars if (1) large size constrains camouflage which facilitates the evolution of a trait reinforcing their crypsis and (2) the survival advantage of countershading is size-dependent. Phylogenetic analyses of four different lepidopteran families (Saturniidae, Sphingidae, Erebidae, and Geometridae) suggest equivocal results: countershading was more likely to be found in larger species in Saturniidae but not in the other families. The field predation experiment assuming avian predators did not support size-dependent predation in countershaded prey. Collectively, we found only weak evidence that body size is associated with countershading in caterpillars. Our results suggest that body size is not a universal factor that has shaped the interspecific variation in countershading observed in caterpillars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yerin Hwang
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, South Korea
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sohee Yoo
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, South Korea
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chohee Park
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, South Korea
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Changku Kang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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3
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Exnerová A, Kang C, Rowland HM, Kikuchi DW. Evolution of multiple prey defences: From predator cognition to community ecology. J Evol Biol 2023; 36:961-966. [PMID: 37449469 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Exnerová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Changku Kang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hannah M Rowland
- Max Planck Research Group Predators and Toxic Prey, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - David W Kikuchi
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
- Evolutionary Biology, Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
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4
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Loeffler-Henry K, Kang C, Sherratt TN. Evolutionary transitions from camouflage to aposematism: Hidden signals play a pivotal role. Science 2023; 379:1136-1140. [PMID: 36927015 DOI: 10.1126/science.ade5156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The initial evolution of warning signals in unprofitable prey, termed aposematism, is often seen as a paradox because any new conspicuous mutant would be easier to detect than its cryptic conspecifics and not readily recognized by naïve predators as defended. One possibility is that permanent aposematism first evolved through species using hidden warning signals, which are only exposed to would-be predators on encounter. Here, we present a large-scale analysis of evolutionary transitions in amphibian antipredation coloration and demonstrate that the evolutionary transition from camouflage to aposematism is rarely direct but tends to involve an intermediary stage, namely cryptic species that facultatively reveal conspicuous coloration. Accounting for this intermediate step can resolve the paradox and thereby advance our understanding of the evolution of aposematism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Changku Kang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Thomas N Sherratt
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
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5
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Barnett JB, Yeager J, McEwen BL, Kinley I, Anderson HM, Guevara J. Size-dependent colouration balances conspicuous aposematism and camouflage. J Evol Biol 2022. [PMID: 36514842 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Colour is an important component of many different defensive strategies, but signal efficacy and detectability will also depend on the size of the coloured structures, and how pattern size interacts with the background. Consequently, size-dependent changes in colouration are common among many different species as juveniles and adults frequently use colour for different purposes in different environmental contexts. A widespread strategy in many species is switching from crypsis to conspicuous aposematic signalling as increasing body size can reduce the efficacy of camouflage, while other antipredator defences may strengthen. Curiously, despite being chemically defended, the gold-striped frog (Lithodytes lineatus, Leptodactylidae) appears to do the opposite, with bright yellow stripes found in smaller individuals, whereas larger frogs exhibit dull brown stripes. Here, we investigated whether size-dependent differences in colour support distinct defensive strategies. We first used visual modelling of potential predators to assess how colour contrast varied among frogs of different sizes. We found that contrast peaked in mid-sized individuals while the largest individuals had the least contrasting patterns. We then used two detection experiments with human participants to evaluate how colour and body size affected overall detectability. These experiments revealed that larger body sizes were easier to detect, but that the colours of smaller frogs were more detectable than those of larger frogs. Taken together our data support the hypothesis that the primary defensive strategy changes from conspicuous aposematism to camouflage with increasing size, implying size-dependent differences in the efficacy of defensive colouration. We discuss our data in relation to theories of size-dependent aposematism and evaluate the evidence for and against a possible size-dependent mimicry complex with sympatric poison frogs (Dendrobatidae).
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Barnett
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Ontario, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Justin Yeager
- Biodiversidad Medio Ambiente y Salud (BIOMAS), Direccion General de Investigacion, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Brendan L McEwen
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Ontario, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Isaac Kinley
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Ontario, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Hannah M Anderson
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Ontario, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jennifer Guevara
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Ontario, Hamilton, Canada.,Grupo de Investigación Ecosistemas Tropicales y Cambio Global, Facultad Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Ecuador
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6
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Roberts SM, Stuart‐Fox D, Medina I. The evolution of conspicuousness in frogs: When to signal toxicity? J Evol Biol 2022; 35:1455-1464. [PMID: 36129907 PMCID: PMC9825868 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Many organisms use conspicuous colour patterns to advertise their toxicity or unpalatability, a strategy known as aposematism. Despite the recognized benefits of this anti-predator tactic, not all chemically defended species exhibit warning coloration. Here, we use a comparative approach to investigate which factors predict the evolution of conspicuousness in frogs, a group in which conspicuous coloration and toxicity have evolved multiple times. We extracted colour information from dorsal and ventral photos of 594 frog species for which chemical defence information was available. Our results show that chemically defended and diurnal species have higher internal chromatic contrast, both ventrally and dorsally, than chemically undefended and/or nocturnal species. Among species that are chemically defended, conspicuous coloration is more likely to occur if species are diurnal. Our results also suggest that the evolution of conspicuous colour is more likely to occur in chemically defended prey with smaller body size. We discuss potential explanations for this association and suggest that prey profitability (related to body size) could be an important force driving the macroevolution of warning signals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devi Stuart‐Fox
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Iliana Medina
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
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7
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Fichtel C, Kappeler PM. Coevolution of social and communicative complexity in lemurs. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210297. [PMID: 35934963 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The endemic lemurs of Madagascar (Lemuriformes: Primates) exhibit great social and communicative diversity. Given their independent evolutionary history, lemurs provide an excellent opportunity to identify fundamental principles in the coevolution of social and communicative traits. We conducted comparative phylogenetic analyses to examine patterns of interspecific variation among measures of social complexity and repertoire sizes in the vocal, olfactory and visual modality, while controlling for environmental factors such as habitat and number of sympatric species. We also examined potential trade-offs in signal evolution as well as coevolution between body mass or brain size and communicative complexity. Repertoire sizes in the vocal, olfactory and visual modality correlated positively with group size, but not with environmental factors. Evolutionary changes in social complexity presumably antedated corresponding changes in communicative complexity. There was no trade-off in the evolution of signals in different modalities and neither body mass nor brain size correlated with any repertoire size. Hence, communicative complexity coevolved with social complexity across different modalities, possibly to service social relationships flexibly and effectively in pair- and group-living species. Our analyses shed light on the requirements and adaptive possibilities in the coevolution of core elements of social organization and social structure in a basal primate lineage. This article is part of the theme issue 'Cognition, communication and social bonds in primates'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fichtel
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen 37077, Germany.,Leibniz-ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.,Department Anthropology/Sociobiology, University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter M Kappeler
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen 37077, Germany.,Leibniz-ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.,Department Anthropology/Sociobiology, University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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8
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Riley JL, Haff TM, Ryeland J, Drinkwater E, Umbers KDL. The protective value of the colour and shape of the mountain katydid's antipredator defence. J Evol Biol 2022. [PMID: 35960499 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Deimatic behaviour is performed by prey when attacked by predators as part of an antipredator strategy. The behaviour is part of a sequence that consists of several defences, for example they can be preceded by camouflage and followed by a hidden putatively aposematic signal that is only revealed when the deimatic behaviour is performed. When displaying their hidden signal, mountain katydids (Acripeza reticulata) hold their wings vertically, exposing striking red and black stripes with blue spots and oozing an alkaloid-rich chemical defence derived from its Senecio diet. Understanding differences and interactions between deimatism and aposematism has proven problematic, so in this study we isolated the putative aposematic signal of the mountain katydid's antipredator strategy to measure its survival value in the absence of their deimatic behaviour. We manipulated two aspects of the mountain katydid's signal, colour pattern and whole body shape during display. We deployed five kinds of clay models, one negative control and four katydid-like treatments, in 15 grids across part of the mountain katydid's distribution to test the hypothesis that their hidden signal is aposematic. If this hypothesis holds true, we expected that the models, which most closely resembled real katydids would be attacked the least. Instead, we found that models that most closely resembled real katydids were the most likely to be attacked. We suggest several ideas to explain these results, including that the deimatic phase of the katydid's display, the change from a camouflaged state to exposing its hidden signal, may have important protective value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia L Riley
- Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tonya M Haff
- Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Julia Ryeland
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eleanor Drinkwater
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | - Kate D L Umbers
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Drinkwater E, Allen WL, Endler JA, Hanlon RT, Holmes G, Homziak NT, Kang C, Leavell BC, Lehtonen J, Loeffler‐Henry K, Ratcliffe JM, Rowe C, Ruxton GD, Sherratt TN, Skelhorn J, Skojec C, Smart HR, White TE, Yack JE, Young CM, Umbers KDL. A synthesis of deimatic behaviour. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:2237-2267. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Drinkwater
- Department of Animal Science Writtle University College Writtle Chelmsford CM1 3RR UK
| | - William L. Allen
- Department of Biosciences Swansea University Sketty Swansea SA2 8PP UK
| | - John A. Endler
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life & Environmental Sciences Deakin University Waurn Ponds VIC 3216 Australia
| | | | - Grace Holmes
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH UK
| | - Nicholas T. Homziak
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
- Entomology and Nematology Department University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Changku Kang
- Department of Biosciences Mokpo National University Muan Jeollanamdo 58554 South Korea
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology Seoul National University Seoul 08826 South Korea
- Department of Agriculture and Life Sciences Seoul National University Seoul 08826 South Korea
| | - Brian C. Leavell
- Department of Biological Sciences Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
| | - Jussi Lehtonen
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä 40014 Finland
| | | | - John M. Ratcliffe
- Department of Biology University of Toronto Mississauga Mississauga ON L5L 1C6 Canada
| | - Candy Rowe
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH UK
| | - Graeme D. Ruxton
- School of Biology University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 9TH UK
| | - Tom N. Sherratt
- Department of Biology Carleton University Ottawa ON K1S 5B6 Canada
| | - John Skelhorn
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH UK
| | - Chelsea Skojec
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
- Entomology and Nematology Department University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Hannah R. Smart
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Penrith NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Thomas E. White
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Jayne E. Yack
- Department of Biology Carleton University Ottawa ON K1S 5B6 Canada
| | | | - Kate D. L. Umbers
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Penrith NSW 2751 Australia
- School of Science Western Sydney University Penrith NSW 2751 Australia
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10
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Sherratt TN, Loeffler-Henry K. The Adaptive Significance of Flash Behavior: A Bayesian Model. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.903769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Some cryptic animals have conspicuous color patches that are displayed when they move. This “flash behavior” may serve several functions, but perhaps the most widely invoked explanation is that the display makes it harder for the signaler to be found by predators once it has settled. There is now some experimental evidence that flash behavior while fleeing can enhance the survivorship of prey in the manner proposed. However, to date there has been no explicit mathematical model to help understand the way in which flash displays might interfere with the search process of predators. Here we apply Bayesian search theory to show that the higher the conspicuousness of a prey item, the sooner a predator should give up searching for it in an area where it appears to have settled, although the relationship is not always monotonically decreasing. Thus, fleeing prey that give the impression of being conspicuous will tend to survive at a higher rate than prey seen to flee in their cryptic state, since predators search for flashing prey for an inappropriately short period of time. The model is readily parameterized and makes several intuitive predictions including: (1) the more confident a predator is that a prey item has settled in a given area, the longer it will search there, (2) the more conspicuous the flash display, the greater its effect in reducing predation, (3) flash behavior will especially benefit those prey with an intermediate level of crypsis when at rest, and (4) the success of flash displays depends on the predator being uncertain of the prey’s resting appearance. We evaluate the empirical evidence for these predictions and discuss how the model might be further developed, including the incorporation of mimicry which would maintain the deception indefinitely.
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11
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The Effect of Trap Color on Catches of Monochamus galloprovincialis and Three Most Numerous Non-Target Insect Species. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13030220. [PMID: 35323518 PMCID: PMC8956112 DOI: 10.3390/insects13030220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The pine sawyer, Monochamus galloprovincialis, is a longhorned beetle widespread in Europe. It develops in severely weakened, dying, or recently dead pine trees. The importance of M. galloprovincialis has increased since it was shown to be a vector of the alien and invasive pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which can kill pines within a year. Pheromone traps are the most useful tools for monitoring M. galloprovincialis. While black traps are most commonly used, the objective of our studies was to test the attractiveness of different colors to immature and mature M. galloprovincialis and three non-target species. The results could be useful in selecting an optimal color that is attractive to M. galloprovincialis, but minimizes bycatch of non-target insects. A total of twenty colors were tested, including nine colors tested in the field, using cross-vane traps. The unpainted white traps were found to be most attractive to M. galloprovincialis and can be used to increase catches of this insect. However, the predatory beetles Thanasimus spp. responded to the trap color in the same way as M. galloprovincialis; therefore, either trap design or lure composition should be modified to reduce the impact on these beneficial insects. Abstract Black pheromone-baited traps are commonly used for monitoring Monochamus galloprovincialis, a vector of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, although few studies have been conducted on its response to color (black, white, and clear). The objective of our studies was to evaluate the attractiveness of different colors to M. galloprovincialis and non-target species: Spondylis buprestoides and predatory Thanasimus formicarius and T. femoralis. Laboratory tests of fifteen colors against immature and mature M. galloprovincialis revealed some differences in their color preference. In two field tests, eight colors of coroplast vanes in cross-vane traps were compared with unpainted white (a reference (RF)). The first test confirmed the laboratory results, i.e., RF was slightly more attractive to M. galloprovincialis than pastel yellow, reseda green, and cyan blue, but trap color had no significant effect on any of the insect species studied. In the second test, the attractiveness of RF was highest and significantly different from pure white (for all four species), light blue, and pine green (except S. buprestoides). Overall, the unpainted white traps appeared to be most effective in catching M. galloprovincialis. Thanasimus spp. responded to the colors similarly to M. galloprovincialis; therefore, either trap design or lure composition should be modified to reduce their catches.
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12
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Loeffler-Henry K, Kang C, Sherratt TN. The anti-predation benefit of flash displays is related to the distance at which the prey initiates its escape. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210866. [PMID: 34315261 PMCID: PMC8316788 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Flash behaviour is widespread in the animal kingdom and describes the exposure of a hidden conspicuous signal as an animal flees from predators. Recent studies have demonstrated that the signal can enhance survivorship by leading pursuing predators into assuming the flasher is also conspicuous at rest. Naturally, this illusion will work best if potential predators are ignorant of the flasher's resting appearance, which could be achieved if the prey flees while the predator is relatively far away. To test this hypothesis, we compared the survival of flashing and non-flashing computer-generated prey with different flight initiation distances (FIDs) using humans as model predators. This experiment found that flash displays confer a survivorship advantage only to those prey with a long FID. A complementary phylogenetic analysis of Australian bird species supports these results: after controlling for body size, species with putative flashing signals had longer FIDs than those without. Species with putative flashing signals also tended to be larger, as demonstrated in other taxa. The anti-predation benefit of flash displays is therefore related to the nature of escape behaviour. Since birds with hidden signals tend to flee at a distance, the flash display here is unlikely to function by startling would-be predators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Changku Kang
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, Jeollanamdo 58554, South Korea
| | - Thomas N. Sherratt
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
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13
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Yu C, Chen L, Ning S, Ullah S, Li Z. Do bovids evolve hindquarter markings for anti-predation? Curr Zool 2021; 68:143-148. [PMID: 35355942 PMCID: PMC8962728 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Conspicuous coloration in animals serves many functions such as anti-predation. Anti-predation strategies include motion dazzle and flash behavior. Motion dazzle markings can reduce the probability of being preyed on because the predators misjudge their movement. In flash behavior, prey demonstrate conspicuous cue while fleeing; the predators follow them; however, the prey hide their markings and the predators assume that the prey has vanished. To investigate whether bovids use conspicuous hindquarter markings as an anti-predatory behavior, we undertook phylogenetically controlled analyses to explore under what physiological characteristics and environmental factors bovids might have this color pattern. The results suggested that rump patches and tail markings were more prevalent in bovids living in larger-sized groups, which supports the hypothesis of intraspecific communication. Moreover, we observed the occurrence of conspicuous white hindquarter markings in bovids having smaller body size and living in larger groups, suggesting a motion dazzle function. However, the feature of facultative exposing color patterns (flash markings) was not associated with body size, which was inconsistent with predictions and implied that bovids may not adopt this as an anti-predator strategy. It was concluded that species in bovids with conspicuous white hindquarter markings adopt motion dazzle as an anti-predation strategy while fleeing and escaping from being prey on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Yu
- Laboratory of Animal Behavior and Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lixin Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Behavior and Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Sihan Ning
- Laboratory of Animal Behavior and Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Sana Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Zhongqiu Li
- Laboratory of Animal Behavior and Conservation, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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14
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Cox CL, Chung AK, Blackwell C, Davis MM, Gulsby M, Islam H, Miller N, Lambert C, Lewis O, Rector IV, Walsh M, Yamamoto AD, Davis Rabosky AR. Tactile stimuli induce deimatic antipredator displays in ringneck snakes. Ethology 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian L. Cox
- Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University Miami FL USA
- Mountain Lake Biological Station University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
| | - Albert K. Chung
- Mountain Lake Biological Station University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA USA
| | | | - Maura M. Davis
- Mountain Lake Biological Station University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
| | - Miranda Gulsby
- Mountain Lake Biological Station University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
- Department of Biology Kennesaw State University Kennesaw GA USA
| | - Hasib Islam
- Mountain Lake Biological Station University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
| | - Nathan Miller
- Mountain Lake Biological Station University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
- James Madison University Harrisonburg VA USA
| | - Carson Lambert
- Mountain Lake Biological Station University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
| | - Olivia Lewis
- Mountain Lake Biological Station University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
| | - Ian V. Rector
- Mountain Lake Biological Station University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
| | - Marleigh Walsh
- Mountain Lake Biological Station University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
| | - Alannah D. Yamamoto
- Mountain Lake Biological Station University of Virginia Charlottesville VA USA
- University of Maryland College Park MD USA
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15
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Caro T, Koneru M. Towards an ecology of protective coloration. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:611-641. [PMID: 33258554 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The strategies underlying different forms of protective coloration are well understood but little attention has been paid to the ecological, life-history and behavioural circumstances under which they evolve. While some comparative studies have investigated the ecological correlates of aposematism, and background matching, the latter particularly in mammals, few have examined the ecological correlates of other types of protective coloration. Here, we first outline which types of defensive coloration strategies may be exhibited by the same individual; concluding that many protective coloration mechanisms can be employed simultaneously, particularly in conjunction with background matching. Second, we review the ecological predictions that have been made for each sort of protective coloration mechanism before systematically surveying phylogenetically controlled comparative studies linking ecological and social variables to antipredator defences that involve coloration. We find that some a priori predictions based on small-scale empirical studies and logical arguments are indeed supported by comparative data, especially in relation to how illumination affects both background matching and self-shadow concealment through countershading; how body size is associated with countershading, motion dazzle, flash coloration and aposematism, although only in selected taxa; how immobility may promote background matching in ambush predators; and how mobility may facilitate motion dazzle. Examination of nearly 120 comparative tests reveals that many focus on ecological variables that have little to do with predictions derived from antipredator defence theory, and that broad-scale ecological studies of defence strategies that incorporate phylogenetics are still very much in their infancy. We close by making recommendations for future evolutionary ecological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Caro
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, U.K.,Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, U.S.A
| | - Manisha Koneru
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, U.S.A
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16
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Kim Y, Hwang Y, Bae S, Sherratt TN, An J, Choi SW, Miller JC, Kang C. Prey with hidden colour defences benefit from their similarity to aposematic signals. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201894. [PMID: 32900312 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Some camouflaged animals hide colour signals and display them only transiently. These hidden colour signals are often conspicuous and are used as a secondary defence to warn or startle predators (deimatic displays) and/or to confuse them (flash displays). The hidden signals used in these displays frequently resemble typical aposematic signals, so it is possible that prey with hidden signals have evolved to employ colour patterns of a form that predators have previously learned to associate with unprofitability. Here, we tested this hypothesis by conducting two experiments that examined the effect of predator avoidance learning on the efficacy of deimatic and flash displays. We found that the survival benefits of both deimatic and flash displays were substantially higher against predators that had previously learned to associate the hidden colours with unprofitability than against naive predators. These findings help explain the phenological patterns we found in 1568 macro-lepidopteran species on three continents: species with hidden signals tend to occur later in the season than species without hidden signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsu Kim
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, Jeollanamdo 58554, South Korea
| | - Yerin Hwang
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, Jeollanamdo 58554, South Korea
| | - Sangryong Bae
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, Jeollanamdo 58554, South Korea
| | - Thomas N Sherratt
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Jeongseop An
- National Institute of Ecology, Seocheon, Chungcheongnamdo 33657, South Korea
| | - Sei-Woong Choi
- Department of Environmental Education, Mokpo National University, Cheonggye, Muan, Jeollanamdo 58554, South Korea
| | - Jeffrey C Miller
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Changku Kang
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, Jeollanamdo 58554, South Korea
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17
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Vidal-García M, O'Hanlon JC, Svenson GJ, Umbers KDL. The evolution of startle displays: a case study in praying mantises. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201016. [PMID: 32873210 PMCID: PMC7542774 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-predator defences are typically regarded as relatively static signals that conceal prey or advertise their unprofitability. However, startle displays are complex performances that deter or confuse predators and can include a spectacular array of movements, colours and sounds. Yet, we do not fully understand the mechanisms by which they function, their evolutionary correlates, or the conditions under which they are performed and evolve. Here, we present, to our knowledge, the first phylogenetically controlled comparative analyses of startle displays including behavioural data, using praying mantises as a model system. We included 58 species that provide a good representation of mantis diversity and estimated the strength of phylogenetic signal in the presence and complexity of displays. We also tested hypotheses on potential evolutionary correlates, including primary defences and body size. We found that startle displays and morphological traits were phylogenetically conserved, whereas behavioural traits were highly labile. Surprisingly, body size was not correlated with display presence or complexity in phylogenetically controlled analyses. Species-rich clades were more likely to exhibit displays, suggesting that startle displays were probably involved in lineage diversification. We suggest that to further elucidate the conditions under which startle displays evolve, future work should include quantitative descriptions of multiple display components, habitat type, and predator communities. Understanding the evolution of startle displays is critical to our overall understanding of the theory behind predator-prey dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Vidal-García
- Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - James C. O'Hanlon
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gavin J. Svenson
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kate D. L. Umbers
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
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18
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Emberts Z, Miller CW, Skojec C, Shepherd R, St. Mary CM. Leaf-footed bugs possess multiple hidden contrasting color signals, but only one is associated with increased body size. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:8571-8578. [PMID: 32884641 PMCID: PMC7452758 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antipredatory displays that incorporate hidden contrasting coloration are found in a variety of different animals. These displays are seen in organisms that have drab coloration at rest, but when disturbed reveal conspicuous coloration. Examples include the bright abdomens of mountain katydids and the colorful underwings of hawk moths. Such hidden displays can function as secondary defenses, enabling evasion of a pursuant predator. To begin to understand why some species have these displays while others do not, we conducted phylogenetic comparative analyses to investigate factors associated with the evolution of hidden contrasting coloration in leaf-footed bugs. First, we investigated whether hidden contrasting coloration was associated with body size because these displays are considered to be more effective in larger organisms. We then investigated whether hidden contrasting coloration was associated with an alternative antipredatory defense, in this case rapid autotomy. We found that leaf-footed bugs with hidden contrasting coloration tended to autotomize more slowly, but this result was not statistically significant. We also found that the presence of a body size association was dependent upon the form of the hidden color display. Leaf-footed bugs that reveal red/orange coloration were the same size, on average, as species without a hidden color display. However, species that reveal white patches on a black background were significantly larger than species without a hidden color display. These results highlight the diversity of forms that hidden contrasting color signal can take, upon which selection may act differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Emberts
- Department of BiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Christine W. Miller
- Entomology & Nematology DepartmentUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Chelsea Skojec
- Entomology & Nematology DepartmentUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Rachel Shepherd
- Entomology & Nematology DepartmentUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
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19
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Cyriac VP, Kodandaramaiah U. Warning signals promote morphological diversification in fossorial uropeltid snakes (Squamata: Uropeltidae). Zool J Linn Soc 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Many species possess warning colourations that signal unprofitability to predators. Warning colourations are also thought to provide prey with a ‘predator-free space’ and promote niche expansion. However, how such strategies release a species from environmental constraints and facilitate niche expansion is not clearly understood. Fossoriality in reptiles imposes several morphological limits on head and body size to facilitate burrowing underground, but many fossorial snakes live close to the surface and occasionally move above ground, exposing them to predators. In such cases, evolving antipredator defences that reduce predation on the surface could potentially relax the morphological constraints associated with fossoriality and promote morphological diversification. Fossorial uropeltid snakes possess varying degrees of conspicuous warning colourations that reduce avian predation when active above ground. We predicted that species with more conspicuous colourations will exhibit more robust body forms and show faster rates of morphological evolution because constraints imposed by fossoriality are relaxed. Using a comparative phylogenetic approach on the genus Uropeltis, we show that more conspicuous species tend to have more robust morphologies and have faster rates of head-shape evolution. Overall, we find that the evolution of warning colourations in Uropeltis can facilitate niche expansion by influencing rates of morphological diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Philip Cyriac
- IISER-TVM Centre for Research and Education in Ecology and Evolution (ICREEE) and School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Maruthamala P.O., Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Ullasa Kodandaramaiah
- IISER-TVM Centre for Research and Education in Ecology and Evolution (ICREEE) and School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Maruthamala P.O., Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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20
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Medina I, Vega-Trejo R, Wallenius T, Esquerré D, León C, Perez DM, Head ML. No link between nymph and adult coloration in shield bugs: weak selection by predators. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201011. [PMID: 32576112 PMCID: PMC7329039 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many organisms use different antipredator strategies throughout their life, but little is known about the reasons or implications of such changes. For years, it has been suggested that selection by predators should favour uniformity in local warning signals. If this is the case, we would expect high resemblance in colour across life stages in aposematic animals where young and adults share similar morphology and habitat. In this study, we used shield bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomoidea) to test whether colour and colour diversity evolve similarly at different life stages. Since many of these bugs are considered to be aposematic, we also combined multi-species analyses with predation experiments on the cotton harlequin bug to test whether there is evidence of selection for uniformity in colour across life stages. Overall, we show that the diversity of colours used by both life stages is comparable, but adults are more cryptic than nymphs. We also demonstrate that nymphs and adults of the same species do not tend to look alike. Experiments on our model system suggest that predators can generalise among life stages that look different, and exhibit strong neophobia. Altogether, our results show no evidence of selection favouring colour similarity between adults and nymphs in this speciose clade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana Medina
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Wallenius
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
| | - Damien Esquerré
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
| | - Constanza León
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
| | - Daniela M. Perez
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
| | - Megan L. Head
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
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21
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Shah MNA, Khan MK. OdoBD: An online database for the dragonflies and damselflies of Bangladesh. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231727. [PMID: 32324748 PMCID: PMC7179912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Combining scientific data over a long-time period is necessary for generating large-scale datasets, which are an essential component of comparative analysis for understanding evolutionary processes. Furthermore, monitoring temporal and spatial distributions of animals at a global and regional scale is essential for studying climate change driven extinction risks. Regional and global datasets focusing on different animal groups are on the rise to meet such challenges. Although being one of the earliest and best-known insect groups, the data on Odonata remains rudimentary and dispersed, especially in the South Asian region. Bangladesh, being located within a biodiversity hotspot, possesses a large number of odonate species and many of them are endemic to the South Asian region. We have developed an online database for the Odonata of Bangladesh by compiling and digitizing data from our last four years of field studies, from previously published research articles and field guides, and also by collecting data from citizen scientists. The Odonata of Bangladesh database (accessible at http://www.odobd.org) contains phenotypic, genotypic, photographic, taxonomic, biogeographic and faunistic data of the Odonata of Bangladesh. The database will be a valuable resource for understanding diversity, distributions, extinction risks and conservation planning of the Odonata of Bangladesh. Finally, phenotypic, spatial and temporal data of Odonata of Bangladesh datasets can be integrated with other regional datasets for analyzing macroevolutionary trends and to monitor the effect of climate change on odonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nur Ahad Shah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kawsar Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
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22
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23
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Medina I, Vega-Trejo R, Wallenius T, Symonds MRE, Stuart-Fox D. From cryptic to colorful: Evolutionary decoupling of larval and adult color in butterflies. Evol Lett 2019; 4:34-43. [PMID: 32055409 PMCID: PMC7006464 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Many animals undergo complete metamorphosis, where larval forms change abruptly in adulthood. Color change during ontogeny is common, but there is little understanding of evolutionary patterns in these changes. Here, we use data on larval and adult color for 246 butterfly species (61% of all species in Australia) to test whether the evolution of color is coupled between life stages. We show that adults are more variable in color across species than caterpillars and that male adult color has lower phylogenetic signal. These results suggest that sexual selection is driving color diversity in male adult butterflies at a broad scale. Moreover, color similarities between species at the larval stage do not predict color similarities at the adult stage, indicating that color evolution is decoupled between young and adult forms. Most species transition from cryptic coloration as caterpillars to conspicuous coloration as adults, but even species with conspicuous caterpillars change to different conspicuous colors as adults. The use of high‐contrast coloration is correlated with body size in caterpillars but not adults. Taken together, our results suggest a change in the relative importance of different selective pressures at different life stages, resulting in the evolutionary decoupling of coloration through ontogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana Medina
- School of BioSciences University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Regina Vega-Trejo
- Division of Ecology and Evolution Australian National University Acton Australian Capital Territory 0200 Australia.,Department of Zoology Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Thomas Wallenius
- Division of Ecology and Evolution Australian National University Acton Australian Capital Territory 0200 Australia
| | - Matthew R E Symonds
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
| | - Devi Stuart-Fox
- School of BioSciences University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
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