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Mimicry profiles are affected by human-induced habitat changes
1School of Biological Science, University of Nottingham, UK. plxsa@plnl.life.nott.ac.uk
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|January 9, 1999
Summary
Human-driven habitat changes increase populations of poor mimic hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) relative to their wasp models. This challenges traditional mimicry theory, suggesting environmental factors significantly impact mimicry dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology
- Entomology
Background:
- Batesian mimicry theory predicts close resemblance and limited numbers of mimics relative to models.
- Hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) in Europe often exhibit imperfect mimicry and outnumber their wasp models (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that human-induced habitat changes influence the ratio of mimic to model species.
- To examine how habitat disturbance affects mimicry fidelity in hoverflies.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of mimicry profiles across habitats with varying degrees of human disturbance.
- Analysis of new and literature data on hoverfly mimicry and larval diets (aphidophagy).
Main Results:
- Highly disturbed habitats showed a higher proportion of poor mimic hoverflies and fewer high-fidelity mimics compared to less disturbed habitats.
- Larval aphidivory in poor mimics suggests a link between habitat changes and increased mimic populations.
Conclusions:
- Habitat alteration significantly impacts mimic-model ratios, challenging classical Batesian mimicry predictions.
- Environmental changes, particularly those favoring aphid populations, contribute to the prevalence of imperfect mimicry in hoverflies.