Predator responses to artificial aposematic and cryptic colouration in terrestrial isopods (Isopoda, Oniscidea).

Abstract

Aposematism is a distinctive or warning signal that provides the animal with protection against a potential predator. Aposematic colouration is easier for a predator to remember and to avoid a dangerous and/or unpalatable prey in the future. We investigated whether distinctive colouration has an aposematic function in terrestrial isopods. The common rough woodlice (Porcellioscaber) were used as a model species of terrestrial isopods and the Italian wall lizard (Podarcissiculus) as a predatory species. To imitate the distinctive colouration on isopods we marked their dorsal plates with yellow dots. The control group of the woodlice were marked with grey spots. Differences in behaviour (observation, manipulation and consummation) and the lizards' behaviour changes towards aposematically and cryptically coloured prey were analysed. Differences were found in prey observation both between sexes and between prey colours.