Presentation Details
| Nessus Sphinx Caterpillars Maintain Camouflage Across Color Change by Adjusting Background Selection Behavior Thomas S.Lopez1, Rebecca Forkner1, Mark C.Lowell2, Vera Vasas3, Joao de Alcantara Viana1, Daniel Hanley1. 1George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA.2Theorem Engine, Alexandria, Virginia, USA.3University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom |
Abstract
Background selection is a strategy in which camouflaged animals navigate their environment based on their appearance, often positioning themselves against similarly-colored backgrounds. This improves their camouflage and reduces the risk of being seen by predators. Here we investigate camouflage and background selection in the color-changing Nessus sphinx caterpillar (Amphion floridensis). Caterpillars shift from green to brown coloration, with some individual expressing an intermediate pink phase. We confirm that these colors are distinct to avian predators; therefore, a caterpillar’s ability to remain hidden against host plant colors shifts over time. We use a dichotomous-choice test to determine if, and how, caterpillars adjust their behavior to maintain camouflage as their colors change. We found that they preferentially move across background colors which maximize their current camouflage, choosing green model leaves while green and brown model leaves while brown. Pink caterpillars did not prefer either color. These findings provide strong evidence Nessus sphinx caterpillars adjust their background selection as they grow, allowing them to maintain crypsis over their ontogeny.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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