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Olfactorily mediated attack suppression in the southern grasshopper mouse toward an unpalatable prey
D W Whitman1, M S Blum1, C G Jones2
1Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, Greece.
Behavioural Processes
|June 14, 2014
Summary
Southern grasshopper mice (Onychomy torridus) can distinguish between palatable and unpalatable prey. These mice actively reject prey, even when palatable, if it is coated with defensive secretions from unpalatable species.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Ecology
- Predator-Prey Interactions
- Chemical Ecology
Background:
- The southern grasshopper mouse (Onychomy torridus) is a predator known to consume various insect prey.
- Understanding predator responses to prey defenses is crucial for ecological dynamics.
- Prey chemical defenses can influence predator foraging decisions and prey selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predatory behavior of Onychomy torridus towards palatable and unpalatable sympatric prey.
- To determine if olfactory cues from unpalatable prey can suppress predatory attacks on palatable prey.
- To assess the adaptive significance of prey discrimination in O. torridus.
Main Methods:
- Experimental presentation of palatable (Brachystola magna) and unpalatable (Taeniopoda eques) grasshoppers to O. torridus.
- Quantification of prey consumption over multiple nights.
- Application of T. eques defense secretions to B. magna to test for olfactory-mediated attack suppression.
Main Results:
- O. torridus showed a clear preference for the palatable B. magna over the unpalatable T. eques.
- Consumption of T. eques decreased by 35% over three nights, while B. magna consumption remained stable.
- O. torridus rejected palatable B. magna coated with T. eques secretions, indicating olfactory-mediated suppression.
Conclusions:
- Onychomy torridus exhibits prey discrimination abilities, distinguishing between palatable and unpalatable prey.
- Predatory behavior is modulated by chemical cues, allowing for rejection of prey at various stages.
- These adaptive attributes enable O. torridus to effectively forage on challenging or dangerous prey.
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