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Size-dependent misclassification of masquerading prey

Author

Listed:
  • John Skelhorn
  • Hannah M. Rowland
  • Michael P. Speed
  • Leoni De Wert
  • Lucy Quinn
  • Jon Delf
  • Graeme D. Ruxton

Abstract

Masquerading organisms appear to closely resemble inedible and generally inanimate objects, such as twigs, leaves, stones, and bird droppings. It has recently been demonstrated that masquerading prey gain protection from predation by being misclassified as inedible objects by their predators. Here, we present the first experimental test of the requirements of effective masquerade. Specifically, we explore whether masquerading prey need to be very similar in size to the "model" objects that they appear to resemble. Using domestic chicks as predators of twig-mimicking caterpillars, we find that matching a model object in size increases protection from predation; however, similarity of appearance without size matching still affords some protection. This study helps to explain why masquerading prey often resemble objects that are inherently variable in size (e.g., twigs, leaves, and stones) and has important implications for the evolution of masquerade as an antipredator defense. Copyright 2010, Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • John Skelhorn & Hannah M. Rowland & Michael P. Speed & Leoni De Wert & Lucy Quinn & Jon Delf & Graeme D. Ruxton, 2010. "Size-dependent misclassification of masquerading prey," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 21(6), pages 1344-1348.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:beheco:v:21:y:2010:i:6:p:1344-1348
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/beheco/arq159
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Joanna R Hall & Roland Baddeley & Nicholas E Scott-Samuel & Adam J Shohet & Innes C Cuthill, 2017. "Camouflaging moving objects: crypsis and masquerade," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 28(5), pages 1248-1255.
    2. Elizabeth G Postema & Mia K Lippey & Tiernan Armstrong-Ingram, 2023. "Color under pressure: how multiple factors shape defensive coloration," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 34(1), pages 1-13.
    3. John Skelhorn & Graeme D. Ruxton, 2013. "Size-dependent microhabitat selection by masquerading prey," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 24(1), pages 89-97.

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