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Cezário RR, Lopez VM, Gorb S, Guillermo-Ferreira R. Dynamic iridescent signals of male copperwing damselflies coupled with wing-clapping displays: the perspective of different receivers. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blab068] [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
Dynamic signals are a widespread phenomenon in several taxa, usually associated with intraspecific communication. In contrast, dynamic iridescent signals are detectable only at specific angles of illumination; hence, the animal can hide the signal to avoid detection when necessary. This structural coloration is mostly dependent on the illumination, the contrast against the background and the vision of the receiver. Complex behavioural displays can be coupled with structural coloration to create dynamic visual signals that enhance these functions. Here, we address whether iridescence of the males of a damselfly that inhabits dark rainforests, Chalcopteryx scintillans, can be considered a dynamic visual signal. We analyse whether coloration is perceived by conspecifics, while reducing detectability to eavesdroppers against three types of backgrounds. Our results suggest that the visual background affects the detectability of male hindwings by different receivers, mostly predators and prey. We discuss whether these results and the angle dependence of colour could indicate a mechanism to avoid unwanted intraspecific interactions or even to lure both predators and prey. We conclude that the main functions of the dynamic iridescent signal are to communicate with conspecifics while hindering the signal for prey, adding evidence of the multifunctionality of structural coloration coupled with behavioural displays in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Roucourt Cezário
- Laboratory of Ecological Studies on Ethology and Evolution (LESTES Lab), Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Graduate program in Entomology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Marques Lopez
- Laboratory of Ecological Studies on Ethology and Evolution (LESTES Lab), Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Graduate program in Entomology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Stanislav Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1–9, D-24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - Rhainer Guillermo-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Ecological Studies on Ethology and Evolution (LESTES Lab), Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- Graduate program in Entomology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Nicolaï MPJ, D'Alba L, Goldenberg J, Gansemans Y, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Clusella-Trullas S, Shawkey MD. Untangling the structural and molecular mechanisms underlying colour and rapid colour change in a lizard, Agama atra. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:2262-2284. [PMID: 33772941 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
With functions as diverse as communication, protection and thermoregulation, coloration is one of the most important traits in lizards. The ability to change colour as a function of varying social and environmental conditions is thus an important innovation. While colour change is present in animals ranging from squids, to fish and reptiles, not much is known about the mechanisms behind it. Traditionally, colour change was attributed to migration of pigments, in particular melanin. More recent work has shown that the changes in nanostructural configuration inside iridophores are able to produce a wide palette of colours. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying colour, and colour change in particular, remain unstudied. Here we use a combination of transcriptomic and microscopic data to show that melanin, iridophores and pteridines are the main colour-producing mechanisms in Agama atra, and provide molecular and structural data suggesting that rapid colour change is achieved via melanin dispersal in combination with iridophore organization. This work demonstrates the power of combining genotypic (gene expression) and phenotypic (microscopy) information for addressing physiological questions, providing a basis for future studies of colour change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël P J Nicolaï
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liliana D'Alba
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Goldenberg
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yannick Gansemans
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Susana Clusella-Trullas
- Department of Botany and Zoology & Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Matthew D Shawkey
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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Zambre AM, Khandekar A, Sanap R, O'Brien C, Snell-Rood EC, Thaker M. Asymmetric interspecific competition drives shifts in signalling traits in fan-throated lizards. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20202141. [PMID: 33290678 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Interspecific competition can occur when species are unable to distinguish between conspecific and heterospecific mates or competitors when they occur in sympatry. Selection in response to interspecific competition can lead to shifts in signalling traits-a process called agonistic character displacement. In two fan-throated lizard species-Sitana laticeps and Sarada darwini-females are morphologically indistinguishable and male agonistic signalling behaviour is similar. Consequently, in areas where these species overlap, males engage in interspecific aggressive interactions. To test whether interspecific male aggression between Si. laticeps and Sa. darwini results in agonistic character displacement, we quantified species recognition and signalling behaviour using staged encounter assays with both conspecifics and heterospecifics across sympatric and allopatric populations of both species. We found an asymmetric pattern, wherein males of Si. laticeps but not Sa. darwini showed differences in competitor recognition and agonistic signalling traits (morphology and behaviour) in sympatry compared with allopatry. This asymmetric shift in traits is probably due to differences in competitive abilities between species and can minimize competitive interactions in zones of sympatry. Overall, our results support agonistic character displacement, and highlight the role of asymmetric interspecific competition in driving shifts in social signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amod M Zambre
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Akshay Khandekar
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Rajesh Sanap
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Clairissa O'Brien
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Emilie C Snell-Rood
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Maria Thaker
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
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Deepak V, Karanth P. Aridification driven diversification of fan-throated lizards from the Indian subcontinent. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2017; 120:53-62. [PMID: 29197684 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of monsoon climate and the consequent aridification has been one of the most important climate change episodes in the Indian subcontinent. However, little is known about how these events might have shaped the diversification patterns among the widely distributed taxa. Fan-throated lizards (FTL) (Genus: Sitana, Sarada) are widespread, diurnal and restricted to the semi-arid zones of the Indian subcontinent. We sampled FTL in 107 localities across its range. We used molecular species delimitation method and delineated 15 species including six putative species. Thirteen of them were distinguishable based on morphology but two sister species were indistinguishable and have minor overlaps in distribution. Five fossils were used to calibrate and date the phylogeny. Diversification of fan-throated lizards lineage started ~18 mya and higher lineage diversification was observed after 11 my. The initial diversification corresponds to the time when monsoon climate was established and the latter was a period of intensification of monsoon and initiation of aridification. Thirteen out of the fifteen FTL species delimited are from Peninsular India; this is probably due to the landscape heterogeneity in this region. The species poor sister genus Otocryptis is paraphyletic and probably represents relict lineages which are now confined to forested areas. Thus, the seasonality led changes in habitat, from forests to open habitats appear to have driven diversification of fan-throated lizards.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Deepak
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom.
| | - Praveen Karanth
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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