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Diversity in warning coloration is easily recognized by avian predators
L M Arenas1,2, M Stevens2
1Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|March 25, 2017
Summary
Ladybird warning coloration is diverse, yet effective. Signals are recognizable and conspicuous against various backgrounds, explaining their success in nature despite theoretical predictions.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Warning coloration (aposematism) deters predators by signaling prey unprofitability.
- Predator learning and signal recognition are key to aposematism's success.
- Theoretical models predict signal convergence, yet warning signals show remarkable diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify ladybird signal diversity and conspicuousness relative to avian vision.
- To determine if ladybird warning signals are locally adapted to their backgrounds.
- To explain the evolutionary success of diverse warning signals in nature.
Main Methods:
- Quantified ladybird signal uniqueness and discernibility using avian vision models.
- Measured signal conspicuousness against green, brown, and local substrate backgrounds.
- Analyzed signal contrast to assess local adaptation in conspicuousness.
Main Results:
- Ladybird warning signals are unique and recognizable to predators.
- Specialist ladybird species exhibit greater signal contrast against their native backgrounds.
- Signals demonstrate effectiveness across a broad spectrum of natural backgrounds.
Conclusions:
- Ladybird warning signals are visually distinct and recognizable.
- Local adaptation in conspicuousness may contribute to signal diversity.
- Broad background effectiveness supports the widespread success of aposematism.
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