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| Host Plants as Predator Learning Signals for Defended vs. Undefended Prey |
| Nich Martin. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States |
Aposematism is a phenomenon thought to facilitate predator learning and avoidance of defended prey. Theory predicts transitional forms existing between aposematic and cryptic phenotypes in which prey are defended but lack warning signals. But how do predators learn to avoid defended prey when they appear identical to cryptic, undefended prey? We propose that environmental stimuli closely associated with defended prey may serve as warning signals during this transitional phase. We asked to what degree do prey host plants faciliate predator learning and prey survival? We tested this by assigning chemically defended and undefended butterfly larvae to different host plant species. Larvae were made to look identical to each other and were exposed to wild-caught, captive Carolina Wrens. For each Wren we observed the number of returns to plant species hosting defended vs. undefended larvae and recorded the proportion of each prey type consumed. We then removed plants, comparing effects when plant signals were no longer present. Our results showed biologically significant effects for which prey type were consumed when plants were present vs when absent. |