Golden mimics use multiple defenses to counter generalist and
specialist predators

J 2023

Golden mimics use multiple defenses to counter generalist and specialist predators

PEKÁR, Stanislav; Martin J. WHITING and Marie E. HERBERSTEIN

Basic information

Original name

Golden mimics use multiple defenses to counter generalist and specialist predators

Authors

PEKÁR, Stanislav (703 Slovakia, belonging to the institution); Martin J. WHITING and Marie E. HERBERSTEIN

Edition

Behavioral Ecology, Oxford University Press, 2023, 1045-2249

Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Article in a journal

Field of Study

10614 Behavioral sciences biology

Country of publisher

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Confidentiality degree

is not subject to a state or trade secret

References:

URL

Impact factor

Impact factor: 2.500

RIV identification code

RIV/00216224:14310/23:00134285

Organization unit

Faculty of Science

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arad076

UT WoS

001070370200001

EID Scopus

2-s2.0-85177769584

Keywords in English

Araneae; Batesian mimicry; Formicidae; Heteroptera; multimodal signaling; Mullerian mimicry

Abstract

In the original language

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.

Links

GA19-09323S, research and development project

Name: Mimetické komplexy a evoluce nepřesných mimetiků

Investor: Czech Science Foundation

Cite

PEKÁR, Stanislav; Martin J. WHITING and Marie E. HERBERSTEIN. Golden mimics use multiple defenses to counter generalist and specialist predators. Behavioral Ecology. Oxford University Press, 2023, vol. 34, No 6, p. 1055-1064. ISSN 1045-2249. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arad076.

@article{2337077,
   author = {Pekár, Stanislav and Whiting, Martin J. and Herberstein, Marie E.},
   article_number = {6},
   doi = {https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arad076},
   keywords = {Araneae; Batesian mimicry; Formicidae; Heteroptera; multimodal signaling; Mullerian mimicry},
   language = {eng},
   issn = {1045-2249},
   journal = {Behavioral Ecology},
   title = {Golden mimics use multiple defenses to counter generalist and specialist predators},
   url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arad076},
   volume = {34},
   year = {2023}
}

TY  - JOUR
ID  - 2337077
AU  - Pekár, Stanislav - Whiting, Martin J. - Herberstein, Marie E.
PY  - 2023
TI  - Golden mimics use multiple defenses to counter generalist and specialist predators
JF  - Behavioral Ecology
VL  - 34
IS  - 6
SP  - 1055-1064
EP  - 1055-1064
PB  - Oxford University Press
SN  - 10452249
KW  - Araneae
KW  - Batesian mimicry
KW  - Formicidae
KW  - Heteroptera
KW  - multimodal signaling
KW  - Mullerian mimicry
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arad076
N2  - 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.
ER  -

PEKÁR, Stanislav; Martin J. WHITING and Marie E. HERBERSTEIN. Golden mimics use multiple defenses to counter generalist and specialist predators. \textit{Behavioral Ecology}. Oxford University Press, 2023, vol.~34, No~6, p.~1055-1064. ISSN~1045-2249. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arad076.

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