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Selection for evasive mimicry imposed by an arthropod predator.
Karl Loeffler-Henry1, Thomas N Sherratt1
1Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6.
Biology Letters
|January 3, 2024
Summary
Predators can learn to avoid evasive prey, supporting the evasive mimicry hypothesis. This study shows even arthropod predators select for warning signals based on prey evasiveness.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Behavioral ecology
Background:
- The evasive mimicry hypothesis suggests palatable species evolve to resemble unpalatable ones to deter predators.
- Previous experiments supported this but used artificial prey and avian predators, potentially confounding results with startle responses or all-or-nothing catchability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally test the evasive mimicry hypothesis using a predator-prey system that avoids limitations of previous studies.
- To investigate if predators can learn to associate prey evasiveness with warning signals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized live painted calyptrate flies with experimentally modified evasive capabilities as prey.
- Employed mantids as predators in controlled experiments to assess learning and avoidance behaviors.
- Designed experiments to overcome limitations of artificial prey and all-or-nothing catchability.
Main Results:
- Mantids demonstrated a clear ability to learn to avoid pursuing more evasive prey types.
- The study confirmed that predators can select for mimicry based on prey evasiveness.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the plausibility of evasive mimicry as a widespread evolutionary phenomenon.
- Demonstrates that even arthropod predators can drive selection for evasive mimicry through learned avoidance.
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