Some species elude predators by masquerading as common, inedible objects. But far from being a passive disguise, such camouflage also involves specific changes in prey and predator behaviour, say John Skelhorn at the University of Exeter, UK, and his colleagues.
In lab experiments, the researchers exposed twig-like Selenia dentaria caterpillars (pictured) sitting among real twigs to domestic chicks trained to attack them. Not only did the chicks take longer to spot their prey when twig density was higher, but caterpillars also preferred branches with more twigs. During the day, caterpillars opted for twig density over leaf availability; however, at night, when predators are no longer on the prowl, the insects were found on branches with abundant leaves to eat.
High twig density further protects caterpillars by dashing predators' hopes. Repeated exposure to branches with many twigs and no caterpillars made chicks less motivated to hunt for prey than birds less frequently exposed to this situation.
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Hidden in plain sight. Nature 472, 138 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/472138a
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/472138a
