Golden mimics use multiple defenses to counter generalist and specialist predators

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F00216224%3A14310%2F23%3A00134285" target="_blank" >RIV/00216224:14310/23:00134285 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arad076" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arad076</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arad076" target="_blank" >10.1093/beheco/arad076</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Golden mimics use multiple defenses to counter generalist and specialist predators

Original language description

Many prey species employ multiple defenses during interactions with predators. Multiple defenses can provide a selective advantage against a single predator at different stages of the interaction or attack, as well as against multiple predator types. However, the efficacy of multiple defenses both during different sequences of an attack and against multiple predator types, remains poorly understood. We measured and classified defensive traits used by five mimics (Mullerian and Batesian) of the myrmecomorphic golden mimicry complex and one non-mimetic species. We then performed predatory trials using two different predators that differed markedly in their body size, trophic specialization, and how they handle prey-one being an ant specialist (spider) and the other a generalist which avoided ants (skink). We identified 12 defensive traits and classified them into four groups (primary, chemical, mechanical, and behavioral), which were strongly correlated. Skinks were much less likely to attack and capture mimics than the ant-eating spider predators. Our results show that multiple defenses (five or six) were used against each predator. The defensive behaviors and features that were most effective against skinks included appendage waving and large body size, whereas the golden "shine" warning signal, large body size, cuticle thickness, and defensive gland size were most effective against spiders. Most defenses appeared to be predator-specific. We conclude that potential prey in the golden mimicry complex have been selected for multiple defenses because of their vulnerability to different predator types and consequently, the efficacy of some of these defenses likely represents a trade-off.

Czech name

—

Czech description

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Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

—

OECD FORD branch

10614 - Behavioral sciences biology

Project

<a href="/en/project/GA19-09323S" target="_blank" >GA19-09323S: Mimetic complexes and the evolution of inaccurate mimics</a><br>

Continuities

P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)

Publication year

2023

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

Behavioral Ecology

ISSN

1045-2249

e-ISSN

1465-7279

Volume of the periodical

34

Issue of the periodical within the volume

6

Country of publishing house

GB - UNITED KINGDOM

Number of pages

10

Pages from-to

1055-1064

UT code for WoS article

001070370200001

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-85177769584