10.5061/DRYAD.H2Q3D96
Kjernsmo, Karin
Åbo Akademi University
Grönholm, Miranda
Åbo Akademi University
Merilaita, Sami
University of Turku
Data from: Size and contrast increase the divertive effect of eyespots
Dryad
dataset
2018
Deflection
Diversion
visual attention
Eyespot
Protective coloration
Gasterosteus aculeatus
2018-09-28T15:10:31Z
2018-09-28T15:10:31Z
en
https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/ary149
13293 bytes
1
CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
Recent studies have shown that some eyespots of prey divert the strikes of
predators, increasing the likelihood of prey escape. However, little is
known about what makes eyespots effective divertive (deflective) prey
marks. The size of eyespots varies much both between and even within taxa.
Yet, whether size is important for the divertive function of eyespots is
unknown. Furthermore, eyespots have often been described as highly
contrasting, but the effects of contrast on the divertive function of
eyespots has never been tested experimentally. Using artificial prey and
the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) as a model for
predator cognition and behaviour, we tested the importance of size as well
as internal contrast for the divertive effect of eyespots. We
independently increased the internal contrast and size of eyespots and
found that both increased the divertive effect. The effect of size was
significant over all four subsequent prey presentations, whereas the
effect of contrast decreased after the initial presentations. These
results suggest that the size and contrast of divertive marks are probably
shaped by selection imposed by predation. We also discuss the involvement
of predation in the seasonal and ontogenic plasticity of eyespots found in
some taxa.
Raw data - Kjernsmo et al 2018Raw data from Experiment 1 and 2. Contains
attack latency and side of prey attacked for each fish and trial. L =
large spot, S = small spot, HC = High contrast and LC = Low contrast.