Behavioral response of juvenile silver and bighead carp to conspecific and heterospecific alarm cues

Biological Invasions - Predation is an important factor influencing the strength and success of a year class in many prey fishes. Many adaptations, including chemical cues, benefit shoaling groups...     

Source and specificity of chemical cues mediating shelter preference of Caribbean spiny lobsters (Panulirus argus)

Caribbean spiny lobsters display a diversity of social behaviors, one of the most prevalent of which is gregarious diurnal sheltering. Previous research has demonstrated that shelter selection is chemically mediated, but the source of release and the identity of the aggregation signal are unknown. In this study, we investigated the source and specificity of the aggregation signal in Caribbean spiny lobsters, Panulirus argus. We developed a relatively rapid test of shelter choice in a 5000-l laboratory flume that simulated flow conditions in the spiny lobster's natural environment, and used it to examine the shelter preference of the animals in response to a variety of odorants. We found that both males and females associated preferentially with shelters emanating conspecific urine of either sex, but not with shelters emanating seawater, food odors, or the scent of a predatory octopus. These results demonstrate specificity in the cues mediating sheltering behavior and show that urine is at least one source of the aggregation signal.     

Coexistence of congeneric spiny lobsters on coral reefs: differences in conspecific aggregation patterns and their potential antipredator benefits

Den sharing by conspecific spiny lobsters (aggregation) is modulated by chemical attraction but may confer several, not necessarily mutually exclusive, antipredator byproduct benefits: a “guide effect”, which only benefits the individual attracted to a sheltered conspecific; a “dilution effect”, which reduces per-capita risk of predation simply through aggregation; or active “group defense”. Each potential benefit has a different set of predictors (relationships between aggregation and conspecific or predator densities), but conflicting results could suggest the simultaneous operation of more than one benefit. These predictions were tested for coexisting Panulirus guttatus (a reef-obligate) and Panulirus argus (a temporary reef-dweller) using data collected during 11 surveys on fixed sites over a coral reef in Mexico. P. guttatus greatly outnumbered P. argus, but P. argus showed a greater tendency to aggregate. All three benefits of den sharing operated for the more social P. argus, with “group defense” being of the most benefit for larger individuals, and the “guide” and “dilution” effects for smaller individuals recently immigrating into the reef habitat and sharing dens with larger conspecifics. P. guttatus did not display “group defense” and its aggregations appeared to be modulated by the interplay between attraction and aggressive behaviors. This species relied more on solitary crypticity, especially at larger sizes, but appeared to benefit from a “guide effect” at high conspecific densities. In experimental tanks, each species tended to aggregate when tested separately, but when tested jointly, aggregation among P. guttatus was significantly reduced. The experimental results reflect the differential patterns of aggregation between the fore-reef, where P. guttatus dominated, and the back-reef, where coexistence of both species was greater.     

Coexistence of congeneric spiny lobsters on coral reefs: differential use of shelter resources and vulnerability to predators

The notion, previously generated from laboratory experiments, that the local coexistence of spiny lobsters Panulirus guttatus and Panulirus argus on Caribbean reefs may be promoted by a differential use of shelter resources and/or vulnerability to predators was explored in a coral reef in Mexico. Multiple regressions with data collected on 11 occasions on fixed back-reef and fore-reef sites suggested that the densities of the congener, other crevice-dwellers, and predators did not significantly affect the density of P. argus in either reef zone, or of P. guttatus on the back-reef, where coexistence of both lobster species was greatest. In contrast, there was a significant negative relationship between predators and the density of P. guttatus on the fore-reef, where this species was dominant. Congeneric cohabitation in dens was less than expected by chance, but this pattern may reflect a differential use of shelter resources rather than interspecific competition. P. guttatus was more prevalent in dens over the middle and upper third of the reef profile, and P. argus over the lower and middle third of the reef profile. Whether individuals cohabited with conspecifics, congeners, or resided solitarily, P. guttatus was more prevalent at the walls and/or ceiling and P. argus on the floor of dens. This differential use of shelter resources may be related to the differential vulnerability to predators, which may have promoted local coexistence of these congeners in reef habitats.     

Behavioural responses to con- and heterospecific alarm cues by an alien and a coexisting native fish

Hydrobiologia - The monkey goby Neogobius fluviatilis is an invasive Ponto-Caspian fish that enters habitats of the native gudgeon Gobio gobio in European freshwaters, likely belonging to the same...     

Detection of conspecific alarm cues by juvenile salmonids under neutral and weakly acidic conditions: laboratory and field tests

A variety of fishes possess damage-released chemical alarm cues, which play a critical role in the detection and avoidance of potential predation threats. Recently, we have demonstrated that the ability of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and finescale dace (Phoxinus neogaeus) to detect and respond to conspecific alarm cues is significantly reduced under weakly acidic conditions (pH 6.0). Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) possess an analogous alarm cue system. However, it is unknown if the trout alarm cue system is likewise affected by relatively small changes in pH. In addition, previous studies have not verified this phenomenon under natural conditions. We conducted laboratory and field trials to examine the potential effects of acute exposure to weakly acidic (pH 6.0) conditions on the detection and response of conspecific alarm cues by juvenile trout. Our laboratory results demonstrate that while juvenile rainbow trout exhibit significant increases in antipredator behaviour under normal pH conditions (pH 7.0–7.2), they do not respond to the presence of conspecific chemical alarm cues (i.e. response is not different from controls) under weakly acidic conditions. Similarly, a wild strain of brook charr in their natural streams near Sudbury, Ontario, failed to detect conspecific alarm cues in a weakly acidic stream (mean pH 6.11) while they responded to these cues in a neutral stream (mean pH of 6.88). This is the first demonstration that relatively small changes in ambient pH can influence alarm responses under natural conditions. These data suggest significant, sub-lethal effects of acid precipitation on natural waterways.     

Odour-mediated responses of phytophagous mites to conspecific and heterospecific competitors

Plants under herbivore attack produce volatiles, thus attracting natural enemies of the herbivores. However, in doing so, the plant becomes more conspicuous to other herbivores. Herbivores may use the odours as a cue to refrain from visiting plants that are already infested, thereby avoiding competition for food, or, alternatively, to visit plants with defences weakened by earlier attacks. We investigated the response of one species of herbivore (the spider mite Tetranychus urticae) to odours emanating from cucumber plants infested by conspecific or heterospecific (the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis) herbivores. Olfactometer experiments in the laboratory showed that spider mites have a slight, but significant, preference for plants infested with conspecifics, but strongly avoid plants with thrips. These results were substantiated with greenhouse experiments. We released spider mites on the soil in the centre of a circle of six plants, half of which were infested with either conspecifics or heterospecifics (thrips), whereas the other half were uninfested. It was found that 60–70% of the mites were recaptured on the plants within 5 h after release. Results of these experiments were in agreement with results of the olfactometer experiments: (1) significantly fewer spider mites were found on plants infested with thrips than on uninfested plants and (2) more mites were found on plants with conspecifics than on clean plants (although this difference was not significant). From a functional point of view it makes sense that spider mites prefer clean plants over thrips-infested plants, since thrips are not only competitors, but are also known as intraguild predators of spider mites. Possible reasons for the slight attraction of spider mites to plants infested with conspecifics are discussed. Received: 22 June 1996 / Accepted: 29 September 1996     

Influence of conspecific and heterospecific adults on riparian tree species establishment during encroachment of a humid palm savanna

Woody plant encroachment of savanna ecosystems has been related to altered disturbance regimes, mainly fire suppression and herbivore exclusion. In contrast, neighbourhood interactions among resident and colonising woody species have received little attention, despite their likely influence on the pattern and rate of tree establishment. We examined how resident palm trees (Butia yatay) and established adults of two riparian forest tree species (Allophylus edulis and Sebastiania commersoniana) influenced seed arrival and seedling performance of the latter two species in a humid savanna of east-central Argentina. Seed traps and seedlings of both riparian species were placed in herbaceous openings, and beneath palm, conspecific and heterospecific adult trees in two unburned savanna patches, and were monitored for 2 years. Only seeds of the bird-dispersed Allophylus arrived in palm microsites, yet survival of Allophylus seedlings near adult palms was limited by animal damage through trampling and burrowing, a non-trophic mechanism of apparent competition. Seeds of both riparian species dispersed into conspecific microsites, although adult trees selectively reduced growth of conspecific seedlings, a pattern consistent with the “escape hypothesis”. Further, survival of Sebastiania increased in the moister Allophylus microsites, suggesting a one-way facilitative interaction between woody colonisers. Our results indicate that dispersal facilitation by resident savanna trees may be critical to riparian species invasion after fire suppression. Distance-dependent effects of conspecific and heterospecific adult trees could contribute to shape the subsequent dynamics of woody seedling establishment. Overall, we show that indirect interactions can play a prominent role in savanna encroachment by non-resident woody species.     

Stimulatory effects on the reproductive axis in female songbirds by conspecific and heterospecific male song

Courtship vocalizations of male songbirds can profoundly enhance the reproductive physiology and behavior of conspecific females. However, no study has fully investigated the selectivity of conspecific song effects on reproductive development in birds. We studied the effects of conspecific and heterospecific song on reproductive development in domesticated (canaries) and wild songbirds (song sparrows). As expected, conspecific song enhanced follicular development. Unexpectedly, however, birds exposed to heterospecific song also underwent enhanced follicular development (compared to birds exposed to no song); conspecific and heterospecific songs were equally effective in enhancing ovarian development. In canaries exposed to 18L:6D, conspecific song induced oviposition earlier and at a greater frequency than in heterospecific and no song groups, with the fewest eggs being laid in the no song group. These results indicate that conspecific and heterospecific male song can enhance reproductive activity in female songbirds. Whether or not activation of the reproductive axis in female songbirds by heterospecific song occurs in the wild remains unclear. It is also unclear as to whether the ability of the reproductive axis to respond to heterospecific song performs a specific function, or whether it is simply a consequence of greater selection pressure acting upon behavioral responses to song.     

Marine mussels Brachidontes variabilis selected smaller places of refuge and enhanced byssus production upon exposure to conspecific and heterospecific cues

Refuge selection and byssus production as anti-predator responses were examined in mussels Brachidontes variabilis exposed to cues either released from damaged or intact conspecifics, from damaged or intact heterospecific mussels Perna viridis sympatric with B. variabilis or from shrimp meat as novel cues. Most of the mussels from all treatment groups would seek and stay in a refuge for the first few hours, with a significantly higher number of mussels from the damaged conspecific group seeking refuge. More mussels preferred a smaller refuge when they were exposed to conspecific or heterospecific cues; mussels from other treatments did not select particular sizes of refuge. Damaged conspecific and heterospecific cues elicited the greatest responses in byssus production with more byssal threads being produced, which were also longer and thicker. Novel cues elicited medium levels of response, suggesting that some common cues from injured or dead individuals from different taxa were released, which induced anti-predator responses in B. variabilis.     

Effects of conspecific and heterospecific residents on patterns of immigration in two species of voles

Studies with birds have shown that presence and density of resident conspecifics and heterospecifics can influence patterns of habitat selection. There have been few studies on the effects of social cues on rates of immigration in mammals. We report results from a long-term live trapping study of immigration in two species of voles, Microtus ochrogaster Wagner, 1842 and Microtus pennsylvanicus Ord, 1815, in bluegrass habitat in east-central Illinois, USA. We compare immigration into control sites from which no individuals of either species were removed with immigration into experimental sites from which either conspecifics or heterospecifics were removed. We focus on characteristics of immigrants and rates of immigration in relation to density in destination habitats. Within each species, immigrants into control and removal sites were similar with respect to body mass and reproductive condition, indicating no major differences in the physical condition of immigrants into sites with established populations and sites without established populations. For both species, density of conspecifics at a site positively influenced rate of immigration at that site. Density of heterospecifics at destination sites did not significantly influence rate of immigration for either species. These results suggest that site selection by dispersing M. ochrogaster and M. pennsylvanicus is characterized by conspecific attraction.     

Antipredator behaviour mediated by chemical cues: the role of conspecific alarm signalling and predator labelling in the avoidance response of a marine gastropod

Gastropods represent a challenge in the understanding of alarm signalling. We studied predator avoidance (climbing behaviour) of the marine snail Tegula funebralis in laboratory experiments. Snails were exposed to crude extract of conspecifics, and to water conditioned by actively feeding or non-feeding predatory crabs. Crabs had previously been maintained on different diets, and were accordingly labelled by chemical cues of various origins. Tegula -extract alone released climbing behaviour in May, but not in June. However, during both these months, snails responded to chemical cues from crabs that were actively feeding on Tegula . Crabs labelled by Tegula -diet, and actively feeding on Tegula , also caused more climbing responses compared to crabs labelled by other diets. Chemical cues derived from crabs actively feeding on another snail species, or from non-feeding crabs, did not induce snail climbing no matter the previous feeding history of the predators. When snails received Tegula -extract combined with water conditioned with a non-feeding, Tegula -labelled crab, no climbing occurred. However, when the non-feeding, Tegula -labelled crab was present in the solution of Tegula -extract, moderate climbing responses were obtained. The results imply that climbing responses of T. funebralis are in general caused by the action of a two-component system. This system seems to be a mixture of chemical cues leaking from the tissue of conspecifics when being eaten, and latent conspecific chemicals that are modified in crabs and presumably released with the urine of chemically labelled predators. The modified chemical labels appear to be fully released by crabs when feeding, and moderately released when detecting food. The responses obtained in May with crude extract alone may result from a seasonal change in alarm signalling properties, or a change in behavioural responsiveness of snails exposed to a variable predator regime.     

Influence of optical cues from conspecific females on escalation decisions during male-male interactions of jumping spiders

An important prediction from game theory is that the value of a resource influences the level to which male-male conflict escalates. An earlier experimental study showed that males of Hypoblemum albovittatum, a common salticid in New Zealand, can discern by sight alone whether a female is in the vicinity and that, having detected a female's presence, males escalate (i.e., adopt behaviour that is likely to put them at greater risk of injury). Seeing a bare moving cork, a conspecific male or a prey item also elicits escalation, but not to the level elicited by seeing a conspecific female. Here the earlier study is extended by using non-conspecific females in control tests and by undertaking experiments with an additional six salticid species. Findings from these experiments suggest that the ability of interacting males to detect by sight alone that a conspecific, instead of a non-conspecific, female is present is widespread in the family Salticidae and that it may be routine for salticid males to use information about the presence of conspecific females when making strategic decisions related to escalation during encounters with other males.     

Effects of conspecific and heterospecific floral density on the pollination of two related rewarding orchids

Variation in within-population floral density can affect interactions between plants and pollinators, resulting in variable pollen export for plants. We investigated the effects of conspecific and heterospecific floral densities on pollination success both of two related, self-compatible, nectar-rewarding orchid species in Ireland, Spiranthes romanzoffiana (rare and listed as endangered) and its congener, S. spiralis (more abundant and not of conservation concern). Floral densities, insect visitation rates, and orchid pollen transport were recorded in multiple quadrats in four populations of both orchid species over their flowering season. We found that conspecific and heterospecific co-flowering plant density affected pollination in both orchid species. For S. romanzoffiana, higher heterospecific density increased pollen removal. For S. spiralis, higher conspecific visitation increased pollen removal and increased heterospecific density decreased pollen deposition. In addition, increased conspecific density increased pollen deposition in both species. This study shows that plants may interact to facilitate or compete for different components of the pollination process, namely; pollinator attraction, pollen removal and deposition. Such interactions have immediate consequences for endangered plant species, as increases in both conspecific and heterospecific coflowering density may ameliorate the negative effects of rarity on pollination, hence overall reproductive success.     

两种植绥螨种内和种间捕食及适合度

【目的】通过研究斯氏钝绥螨Amblyseius(Typhlodromips)swirskii和胡瓜新小绥螨Neoseiulus cucumeris这两种外来植绥螨种内和种间的捕食关系及适合度,为斯氏钝绥螨的释放应用前的风险评估及与胡瓜新小绥螨的联合释放技术提供理论依据。【方法】在无共享猎物的条件下,分别为两种雌成螨提供同种和异种的卵、同种和异种的幼螨、同种和异种的若螨,测定其对同种和异种不同个体的捕食选择性及捕食量,并比较两种植绥螨捕食后的适合度（产卵率和存活率）的差异。【结果】两种植绥螨互为捕食者,斯氏钝绥螨为集团内捕食者的几率高于胡瓜新小绥螨;两种植绥螨发生同类相残的几率无显著差异（χ²=0.118,df=1,P=0.732）。两种植绥螨对幼螨的捕食量显著高于对若螨、卵的捕食量（斯氏钝绥螨：F_(2,114)=66.27,P<0.0001;胡瓜新小绥螨：F_(2,114)=50.39,P<0.0001）,而且两种植绥螨对异种幼螨和若螨的捕食量均显著高于对同种个体的捕食量。两种植绥螨捕食幼螨后的产卵率均显著高于捕食若螨后的产卵率（斯氏钝绥螨：t=5.774,df=26,P<0.0001;胡瓜新小绥螨：t=3.334,df=26,P=0.0026）,斯氏钝绥螨捕食异种个体后的产卵率显著高于捕食同种个体后的产卵率（t=2.854,df=26,P=0.008 4）。两种植绥螨捕食不同发育阶段（幼螨和若螨）的存活率无显著差异;但斯氏钝绥螨捕食异种个体后的存活率显著高于捕食同种个体后的存活率（t=2.196,df=26,P=0.0372）。【结论】两种植绥螨更倾向于发生交互集团内捕食作用而非同类相残;两种植绥螨捕食幼螨比捕食若螨更利于产卵;对于斯氏钝绥螨,异种个体是比同种个体更适合的食物来源。     

Birds associate species-specific acoustic and visual cues: recognition of heterospecific rivals by male blackcaps

Animals need to be able to identify other species, which iscrucial in competition for ecological resources, for using otherspecies as a cue in habitat selection, and for the establishmentand maintenance of parasite-host species associations in brood-parasiticspecies. The ability to discriminate between conspecifics andheterospecifics may be crucially important also in refinementof mating preferences during speciation and for premating isolationof sympatric species. It has long been hypothesized that speciesidentification ability is based on learned associations betweenmultiple features that distinguish species. Here I test thishypothesis using dual-choice song playback experiments withinterspecifically territorial male blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla)that defend territories against male garden warblers (Sylviaborin). I show that male blackcaps can associate species-specificsongs with species-specific plumage and also that they retainthe memory of this association for an 8-month period withoutcontact with heterospecific rivals. Apparently, yearling maleblackcaps achieve this ability several months prior to theirfirst breeding attempt. This is the first time a long-term memoryof associations between species-specific signals from two differentsensory modalities (visual and auditory) has been shown to beimportant for distinguishing conspecifics from heterospecifics.