Transformational Mimicry in a Myrmecomorphic Spider
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2020 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | The American Naturalist |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/709426 |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/709426 |
| Keywords | Batesian mimicry; myrmecomorphy; Leptorchestes; mantis; Pisaura |
| Description | Species that are Batesian mimics during postembryonic development shift between mimetic models as they grow in size. However, it has not yet been tested whether these successive mimetic phenotypes are similarly protected from predators. Early-instar phenotypes could represent an inaccurate phenotype or an accurate phenotype because of selection from different predators. Here, we tested the hypotheses of transformational Batesian mimicry in the ant-mimicking jumping spiderLeptochestes berolinensis. We quantified the mimetic accuracy of different ontogenetic stages to potential ant models by using a multitrait approach. We measured movement, body profile, body size, and coloration. Analysis revealed adults to be more accurate mimics than juveniles. Adults were similar to smaller morphs ofCamponotusorLasiusants, whereas juveniles were more similar toLasiusandColobopsisants. We tested whether predators, mantises, andPisauraspiders were deceived by mimics after having experience with ant models. These predators never captured any ant or a mimic but always captured the nonmyrmecomorphic spider. We conclude that L. berolinensisis a Batesian mimic of ants undergoing transformational mimicry, with all stages being accurate mimics. |
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