The primary function of ripe, fleshy fruit is to facilitate seed dispersal by attracting consumers^{1, 2}, yet many fruits contain unpleasant-tasting chemicals that deter consumption by vertebrates³. Here we investigate this paradox in the chilli (Capsicum) and find that capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the fruit's peppery heat⁴, selectively discourages vertebrate predators without deterring more effective seed dispersers.

1. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA
   Present address: Department of Zoology, Box 118525, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-8525, USA
2. Center for Sustainable Environments, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 5765, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011-5765, USA

Correspondence to: Joshua J. Tewksbury¹ e-mail: Email: jtewksbury@zoo.ufl.edu