Ruxton, G. D. (2019) Defensive coloration. In: Choe, J. C. (ed.) Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior [2nd ed.]. Elsevier, pp. 298-303. ISBN 9780128132524 (doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-809633-8.20853-4)
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Abstract
While the most obvious use of coloration as an antipredatory defense is in camouflage, here we focus on other uses. Many chemically defended prey advertise these defenses with bright color signals (such as the yellow-and-black striped pattern of many wasps). Such aposematic signals aid predators in learning to avoid attacking such defended species. Mimicry occurs when two species share the same aposematic signal, and the signal similarity may benefit one or both species. Coloration may also influence the predator’s point of attack on a prey’s body, or ‘startle’ a predator into aborting an attack.
| Item Type: | Book Sections (Encyclopaedia entry) |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Ruxton, Professor Graeme |
| Authors: | Ruxton, G. D. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISBN: | 9780128132524 |
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