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Related Experiment Videos

Natural selection for juvenile lizards mimicking noxious beetles

R B Huey, E R Pianka

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |January 14, 1977
    PubMed
    Summary

    Juvenile Eremias lugubris lizards in southern Africa exhibit mimicry, resembling pungent beetles. This unique invertebrate mimicry appears to significantly reduce predation on young lizards.

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    Area of Science:

    • Zoology
    • Behavioral Ecology
    • Evolutionary Biology

    Background:

    • Adult Eremias lugubris lizards display cryptic coloration and typical lizard locomotion.
    • Juvenile Eremias lugubris exhibit conspicuous black and white coloration and unique foraging behavior.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the unique mimicry observed in juvenile Eremias lugubris.
    • To determine the ecological significance of this mimicry in predator avoidance.

    Main Methods:

    • Comparative analysis of coloration, gait, and size between juvenile lizards and mimic beetles.
    • Behavioral observations of juvenile lizards during foraging activities.
    • Assessment of predation pressures on juvenile lizards exhibiting mimicry.

    Main Results:

    • Juvenile Eremias lugubris mimic the appearance and gait of "oogpister" beetles (Carabidae: Anthia).
    • This mimicry is believed to be the first reported instance of a terrestrial vertebrate mimicking an invertebrate.
    • The mimicry appears to confer a survival advantage by reducing predation on juveniles.

    Conclusions:

    • Juvenile Eremias lugubris employ Batesian mimicry, resembling a noxious invertebrate.
    • This evolutionary strategy highlights novel predator-prey dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems.
    • The study provides evidence for the adaptive significance of mimicry in vertebrate survival.

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