Risk, Escape from Ambush, and Hiding Time in the LizardSceloporus virgatus

FEAR and DREAD: starting distance, escape decisions and time hiding in refuge

Flight initiation distance (FID = predator–prey distance when escape begins) increases as starting distance (predator–prey distance when approach begins) increases. The flush early and avoid the rush (FEAR) hypothesis proposes that this relationship exists because monitoring an approach is costly. Hypothesized causes are increase in assessed risk and decrease in obtainable benefits while monitoring as starting distance increases. We propose the delay risking emergence and avoid dying (DREAD) hypothesis: hiding time in refuge increases as starting distance increases because prey use risk assessed during approach to estimate risk upon emerging. In the lizard Callisaurus draconoides, FID increased as standardized starting distance increased at faster approach speeds, supporting the FEAR hypothesis. In its first test, the DREAD hypothesis was supported: hiding time in the lizard Sceloporus virgatus increased as standardized starting distance increased. No large benefits were attainable, suggesting that dynamic increase in assessed risk accounts for these findings.