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Published on: December 22, 2012
A within-species warning function for an aposematic signal
Daniel R Papaj1, Ginny M Newsom
1University of Arizona, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. papaj@email.arizona.edu
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|November 8, 2005
Summary
Warning coloration in pipevine swallowtail butterfly caterpillars deters predators and also prevents females from laying eggs on the same plant. This suggests a dual role for aposematic signals in species interactions.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Aposematic signals, typically warning coloration, usually function between species to deter predators.
- The pipevine swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor) exhibits aposematic coloration in its larval stage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the aposematic coloration of Battus philenor caterpillars influences oviposition by conspecific females.
- To determine the role of larval color pattern in deterring conspecific females from laying eggs.
Main Methods:
- Field and laboratory experiments were conducted using live caterpillars and artificial models.
- Oviposition choices of female butterflies were recorded in the presence of different stimuli.
- Artificial models mimicked larval shape, size, and color patterns.
Main Results:
- Female butterflies avoided laying eggs on plants with live conspecific larvae.
- Females also avoided plants with artificial models matching the larvae's appearance.
- Oviposition was significantly reduced on plants with models displaying the larval color pattern compared to green models.
Conclusions:
- The aposematic color pattern of Battus philenor caterpillars deters oviposition by conspecific females, indicating an intraspecific function.
- This finding suggests that aposematic signals can evolve through a combination of interspecific (predator deterrence) and intraspecific (mate/offspring competition avoidance) pressures.
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