![]() In addition to triggering morphological defences cues from predators and/or injured conspecifics also affect prey behaviour. body depth 10, 11), but whether presence of predators influence the development of prey eyespots has never been tested. Predators have been found to trigger striking changes in growth and morphology in a variety of prey (e.g. ![]() It appears as if colour patterns that mimic eyes may be an effective deflection mark for many different prey species, although the adaptive significance of this has yet to be tested. Similarly, Blest 4 and Smith 9 found that predators were more likely to direct their attacks toward conspicuous eyespots that had been painted on insect prey. Hawks attacking white weasel models in snowy environments were more likely to become confused and attack the conspicuous tail tip, often missing their target. Powell 8 found that the conspicuous black tail tip (thought to mimic an eye) on long-tailed white weasels ( Mustela frenata) reduces predation by avian predators. Decades of research have led to four hypotheses regarding their function and their presence has been attributed to - deterring predators (intimidation hypothesis 4, as a diversion technique drawing the attacks of predators to non-vital regions of the body (deflective hypothesis 5), a form of status signalling (i.e., status signalling hypothesis 6) or simply as an evolutionary remnant no longer utilized 7.ĭue to the widespread occurrence of eyespots in a variety of unrelated taxa, these ‘false eyes’ are believed to have evolved in response to selective pressures 3. The adaptive significance of false eyespots in prey has long been debated among ecologists. False eyespots are large, dark circles surrounded by a lightly coloured ring thought to represent an iris around a pupil, mimicking the appearance of a vertebrate eye. Many terrestrial insects, especially lepidopterans, as well as marine and freshwater fishes are often characterized by one or several conspicuous eyespots present on less essential regions of the body 2, 3. Similar content being viewed by othersĬolour patterns are often adaptations to ecological pressures and the sheer diversity of patterns represents an important form of morphological evolution in animals 1. Damselfish exposed to predators had drastically higher survival suffering only 10% mortality while controls suffered 60% mortality 72 h after release. Such changes could prevent or deter attacks and increase burst speed, aiding in escape. Exposure to predators also induced changes in prey behaviour and morphology. These morphological changes likely direct attacks away from the head region. Associated with the growth of eyespots there is a corresponding reduction in growth of eyes in juvenile Ambon damselfish, Pomacentrus amboinensis. Here we show for the first time that the size of eyespots is plastic and increases upon exposure to predators. Understanding the adaptive significance of eyespots has long fascinated evolutionary ecologists. False eyespots are pervasive across a variety of animal taxa and are among nature's most conspicuous markings. The animal world is full of brilliant colours and striking patterns that serve to hide individuals or attract the attention of others.
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