Abstract
Abstract Clay models have been used to investigate the relative antipredator effectiveness of cryptic and of aposematic coloration in litter frogs, but such studies do not account for possible differences in prey escape behavior. We examined the escape behaviors of two litter frogs, the cryptic Craugastor bransfordii and the brightly colored and toxic Oophaga pumilio, in response to a human predator. For all individuals, we measured the distance between the frog and the observer at the instant of flight and the distance between frog's initial and final positions in the field. The cryptic C. bransfordii had a shorter flight initiation distance than did nonvocalizing individuals of the brightly colored O. pumilio. In addition, we noted that vocalizing O. pumilio males had a shorter flight initiation distance than did either nonvocalizing male or female O. pumilio. These findings demonstrate that a cryptic and an aposematic litter frog differ in their escape response to a predator. These results also suggest...
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.