Experimental Study of Batesian Mimicry in the Salamanders Plethodon jordani and Desmognathus ochrophaeus
Brodie ED and Howard RR. 1973. Experimental Study of Batesian Mimicry in the Salamanders Plethodon jordani and Desmognathus ochrophaeus. The American Midland Naturalist. 90(1):38-46
Feeding trials demonstrated that red-cheeked Plethodon jordani were noxious and were avoided by wild-caught potential avian predators. Red-cheeked individuals of Desmognathus ochrophaeus were also avoided by birds conditioned to avoid red-cheeked P. jordani. In addition to noxious skin secretions and aposematic coloration, defensive behavior and tail autotomy are probably important antipredation devices employed by P jordani against avian predators.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Brodie, Edmund; Howard, Ronnie
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC TN, GRSM-01784, Plethodon jordani (salamander), Salamanders (Caudata)