Reduced avian predation on an ultraviolet-fluorescing caterpillar model

Czarnecki, Chapin; Manderino, Rea; Parry, Dylan

doi:10.4039/tce.2021.57

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Pynne et al (2021) also suggested camouflage against an unspecified background for pocket gophers (Geomyidae), citing soil photoluminescence as a possible source of luminophores. Photoluminescence may also act as aposematism, as suggested for caterpillars (Antheraea polyphemus) (Czarnecki et al 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Does the photoluminescence of rat fur influence interactions in the field?

Reinhold,

Wilson,

Rymer

2024

Aust. J. Zool.

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While the photoluminescence of mammal fur is widespread, any potential function based on its optical properties remains speculative. Using paired photoluminescent and non-photoluminescent real-fur rat models in a field experiment, we aimed to test whether nocturnal vertebrates reacted differently to blueish-white photoluminescent fur than to non-photoluminescent fur. Remote cameras were set out in three different habitats (farmland, rainforest and woodland) in the Wet Tropics of Far North Queensland, Australia, over three full moon and three new moon phases. We recorded what species interacted with the models and counted the number of interactions with each model to calculate pair-wise differences of interactions with photoluminescent and non-photoluminescent models. No animal group (marsupial, placental mammal or avian) showed a preference for either model, on either new or full moon, suggesting that they either cannot detect a difference, or that preference is not based on photoluminescent properties. These findings do not support a hypothesis of selective pressure from nocturnal vertebrates acting on the trait of blueish-white photoluminescence in mammal fur.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Does the photoluminescence of rat fur influence interactions in the field?

Reinhold,

Wilson,

Rymer

2024

Aust. J. Zool.

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“…[22,17] Fluorescence may function as another mechanism to deter or avoid predation. [23] Moreover, the fluorescence in butterflies has been found to be directional, due to their nanostructured wings. [24] Discovering new fluorescent molecules in the living world is technologically important, as they can find applications in biosensors, organic photovoltaics, organic lasers, organic light emitting diodes, VCSEL diodes, security inks, dyes, and labels for anti-counterfeiting measures, etc.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

UV luminescence in Jersey Tiger moths

Zachariadis,

Valev,

Valev

et al. 2024

Nanophotonics X

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“…Third, and perhaps most importantly, I have not considered the visual system of the receiver and the fact that some predators can perceive UV wavelengths. Many caterpillars, including Bombycoidea, fluoresce under UV light (Czarnecki et al, 2022), which may serve to increase contrast or distort their shape. My assessment of camouflage is then likely an overestimate, as some species may be more contrasting to some predators (Medina et al, 2020).…”

Section: Morphological Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Why Sound? Diversity and Evolution of Sonic Defences in Caterpillars

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Defensive sound production is widespread and highly diverse among insects, yet the specific functions and factors affecting its evolution are poorly understood. In this thesis, I have two overarching objectives. 1) I conduct a literature review on insect defence sounds and show that sounds have been reported in 12 insect orders with an enormous variety of sound-producing mechanisms, acoustic features, and proposed functions. Based on my review, I pose hypotheses and predictions to explain the diversity and evolution of sonic defences. 2) I study caterpillars of the Superfamily Bombycoidea (silk and hawk moths) to test some of these hypotheses using experimental and phylogenetic comparative methods. I do this in three stages. First, I document defensive responses of 44 species (33 previously untested), bringing the total number of tested Bombycoidea species in our database to 97. I show that 34/97 produce defence sounds. Second, I characterize different sound-producing mechanisms (clicking, chirping, whistling, and vocalizing), contributing new acoustic data for 13 previously unreported sound producers. Third, I use this information to develop and test hypotheses on how defence sounds evolved and function in Bombycoidea by mapping sound production onto a phylogeny that I constructed.Interestingly, the different sound-producing mechanisms occur in multiple distantly related groups, suggesting convergent evolution; yet, closely related species can differ in their soundproducing abilities or mechanisms. These results suggest there are important selective pressures for evolving defence sounds, and that these pressures could vary to produce different types of sounds. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, I explore possible factors to explain "why sound". Two results stand out: body size (based on head capsules) and trade-offs with defensive secretions. I also found support for the hypothesis that short sounds (i.e., clicking and chirping) are aposematic in function because they correlate to the presence of chemical defences. Overall, iii this research offers valuable contributions to the study of insect defence sounds: I provide the first comprehensive review of this topic, establish a model system by characterizing sonic defences (and other responses) in Bombycoidea caterpillars, and provide support for key hypotheses on the evolutionary origins, selective pressures, and functions of these sounds.iv AcknowledgementsFirst and foremost, I would like to thank Jayne for her continuous guidance and support over the years. From her prompt response to my first inquiry about grad school, to encouraging me to fast-track to the PhD program, and to (finally!) getting this tome complete, Jayne has been hands-down the greatest supervisor I could have asked for. Not only has Jayne been an awesome supervisor, but she has also been instrumental in helping me pursue teaching as a career, and has been there to celebrate many of my major life events. I'd also like to thank the other two key members of my committee: Myron Smith and Tom...

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Reduced avian predation on an ultraviolet-fluorescing caterpillar model

Cited by 9 publications

References 23 publications

Does the photoluminescence of rat fur influence interactions in the field?

Does the photoluminescence of rat fur influence interactions in the field?

UV luminescence in Jersey Tiger moths

Why Sound? Diversity and Evolution of Sonic Defences in Caterpillars

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