Indirect effects of prey coloration on predation risk: pygmy grasshoppers versus lizards.

摘要: Because body temperature influences the physiology, behaviour and performance of ectothermic organisms, thermal conditions might influence frequency outcome predator–prey interactions. Furthermore, differences in colour pattern among prey individuals may indirectly predation risk, through effects coloration on temperature. We performed staged encounters between lizards (Psammodromus algirus) grasshoppers (Tetrix subulata). painted dorsal surface either black or grey to manipulate their behaviour, exposed them under two different (sun shade). Grasshoppers were less active presence a lizard, suggesting that they modified avoid detection. Lizards more attacked frequently sun than shade. However, proportion unsuccessful attacks did not differ shade, environment relative predators prey. In sun, tended be ones, albeit significantly so. mortality individuals. This suggests an elevated activity need translate into increased if accompanied by enhanced escape performance. Conversely, compensate for poor associated with low temperatures reducing activity. Our findings suggest selection imposed favour certain combinations polymorphism ectotherms influenced also indirect risk. Counter intuition, existence such raises possibility evolution governed colour-blind even totally blind predators.