Seasonal plasticity for anti-predatory strategies: matching colour and colour preference for effective crypsis

摘要: Effective anti-predatory strategies typically require matching morphology and behaviour in prey there are many compelling examples of behavioural that enhance the effect morphological defences. When protective adult morphologies induced by a developmental environment predictive future predation risk, should be adjusted accordingly to maximize predator avoidance. Behaviour is strongly affected but an effective match with developmentally plastic might ensured when same pre-adult environmental cues. We study early late life effects on suite traits expected work together for crypsis. focused body colour preference Bicyclus anynana , model plasticity relies crypsis as seasonal strategy Using full-factorial design, we disentangle thermal environments both appearance behaviour. show conditions affect preference, temperatures simulate dry season leading browner butterflies perching brown backgrounds. Our results reveal coordinated environmentally-induced responses can increase species coping heterogeneity.