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Microscale temperatures affect the incidence and implications of predator-avoidance behavior in monarch caterpillars
Prabhjot Singh1, Louie H Yang2
1Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
Oecologia
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Monarch caterpillars
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Nonconsumptive effects from predator avoidance are context-dependent.
- Temperature influences prey behavior and survival.
- Predator-prey interactions are crucial in ecosystem dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how temperature affects monarch caterpillar predator-avoidance dropping behavior.
- To determine if caterpillar size influences the consequences of dropping.
- To assess the adaptive nature of dropping behavior under varying thermal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Field experiments were conducted to assess mortality risk.
- Different-sized caterpillars were exposed to various ground temperatures.
- Dropping probability was measured in response to simulated attacks.
Main Results:
- Survivorship after dropping is dependent on temperature and caterpillar size.
- Monarch caterpillars exhibit context-dependent avoidance behaviors.
- A potential nonadaptive willingness to drop was observed at high temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Monarch caterpillar predator-avoidance strategies are adaptive and context-dependent.
- Temperature and body size are critical factors influencing survival.
- Biological constraints may override adaptive behavior in extreme conditions.
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