Signalling displays during predator-prey interactions in a Puerto Rican anole, Anolis cristatellus

Area of Science:

• Ethology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Conspicuous signaling displays are common in nature.
• The function of these displays in predator-prey interactions is not fully understood.
• Puerto Rican crested anoles (Anolis cristatellus) exhibit various signaling behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the context of conspicuous signaling in Anolis cristatellus.
• To test the flash concealment and predator deterrent hypotheses for signaling functions.
• To determine if signaling behaviors are used to avoid predation.

Main Methods:

• Wild Anolis cristatellus were exposed to a snake predator model.
• Observed and recorded behavioral responses including immobility, predator inspection, flight, lateral face-off, dewlapping, and push-ups.
• Analyzed the frequency and duration of specific behaviors in response to the predator model.

Main Results:

• Anolis cristatellus displayed significantly more push-ups and push-up bouts when presented with a snake model.
• Results supported the predator deterrent hypothesis, with push-ups, dewlapping, lateral face-off, and predator inspection acting as deterrent signals.
• The study found that Anolis cristatellus may rely more on behavioral signals than flight to avoid predation during the recognition phase.

Conclusions:

• Conspicuous signaling in Anolis cristatellus functions as a predator deterrent.
• Predation pressure may have reinforced the effects of sexual selection on the evolution of signaling displays.
• Signaling behaviors used in predator deterrence are homologous to those used in social interactions.