A synthesis of deimatic behaviour
Deimatic behaviours, also referred to as startle behaviours, are used against predators and
rivals. Although many are spectacular, their proximate and ultimate causes remain unclear …
rivals. Although many are spectacular, their proximate and ultimate causes remain unclear …
Antipredator defences in motion: animals reduce predation risks by concealing or misleading motion signals
Motion is a crucial part of the natural world, yet our understanding of how animals avoid
predation whilst moving remains rather limited. Although several theories have been …
predation whilst moving remains rather limited. Although several theories have been …
Evolutionary transitions from camouflage to aposematism: Hidden signals play a pivotal role
The initial evolution of warning signals in unprofitable prey, termed aposematism, is often
seen as a paradox because any new conspicuous mutant would be easier to detect than its …
seen as a paradox because any new conspicuous mutant would be easier to detect than its …
How life became colourful: colour vision, aposematism, sexual selection, flowers, and fruits
Plants and animals are often adorned with potentially conspicuous colours (eg red, yellow,
orange, blue, purple). These include the dazzling colours of fruits and flowers, the brilliant …
orange, blue, purple). These include the dazzling colours of fruits and flowers, the brilliant …
Evidence of attack deflection suggests adaptive evolution of wing tails in butterflies
Predation is a powerful selective force sha** many behavioural and morphological traits
in prey species. The deflection of predator attacks from vital parts of the prey usually involves …
in prey species. The deflection of predator attacks from vital parts of the prey usually involves …
Cognitive ecology of surprise in predator–prey interactions
In this review, we relate theoretical work on the importance of surprise in cognition to
empirical research relevant to surprise in predator–prey interactions. There have been …
empirical research relevant to surprise in predator–prey interactions. There have been …
Tactile stimuli induce deimatic antipredator displays in ringneck snakes
Adaptations for predator defense are often complex traits with integrated display
components spanning multiple signaling modalities. For antipredator coloration like deimatic …
components spanning multiple signaling modalities. For antipredator coloration like deimatic …
Outstanding issues in the study of antipredator defenses
Protective defense mechanisms are well documented across the animal kingdom, but there
are still examples of antipredator defenses that do not fit easily into the current …
are still examples of antipredator defenses that do not fit easily into the current …
Flash behaviors protect prey from avian predators
It has been proposed that flash behaviors, defined as the transient display of conspicuous
color patches during the escape, serve as an antipredator defense in camouflaged prey …
color patches during the escape, serve as an antipredator defense in camouflaged prey …
Comparative and experimental studies on the relationship between body size and countershading in caterpillars
Countershading is a gradient of colouration in which the illuminated dorsal surfaces are
darker than the unilluminated ventral surface. It is widespread in the animal kingdom and …
darker than the unilluminated ventral surface. It is widespread in the animal kingdom and …