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The role of different visual characters of weevils signalling aposematism to sympatric lizard predators
Author(s) -
Lee C.Y.,
Yo S.P.,
Clark R. W.,
Hsu J.Y.,
Liao C.P.,
Tseng H.Y.,
Huang W.S.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/jzo.12567
Subject(s) - aposematism , predation , sympatric speciation , biology , lizard , arboreal locomotion , ecology , predator , zoology , insectivore , habitat
Prey often use conspicuous or aposematic coloration to advertise their unprofitability to potential predators. Although most research focuses on coloration, other characteristics, such as the shape or size of markings, or general body shape and appearance, can be used by predators to recognize unprofitable prey. These more general characters may be especially important in cases where predators are sympatric with radiations of aposematic species or populations that have variable colours or patterns; predators are likely to learn avoidance using traits that are consistent across these species, rather than learning multiple types of patterns separately. Here, we conducted a series of feeding experiments using unprofitable weevils ( Pachyrhynchus tobafolius ) with bright blue spots as prey, and sympatric insectivorous lizards ( Japalura swinhonis ) as predators. We modified the number, size, shape and colour of spots of weevils, as well as their general appearance, to test which characters are important for aposematism. Unchanged weevils were attacked infrequently, and altering the presence, colour or size of spots did not change lizard behaviour. However, prey with manipulated body appearance were attacked more often, and more quickly. Our study suggests that the general appearance and characteristic shape of weevils are more important for aposematism towards lizards than the brightly coloured spots. Our results may explain why the colour, stripes and spot patterns are so variable among sympatric weevils in a particular habitat.