A Description and Experimental Analysis of Batesian Mimicry between a Marine Gastropod and an Amphipod

Date
1974-10
Authors
Field, Laurence H.
Contributor
Advisor
Department
Instructor
Depositor
Speaker
Researcher
Consultant
Interviewer
Annotator
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Hawai'i Press
Volume
Number/Issue
Starting Page
Ending Page
Alternative Title
Abstract
An apparent case of Batesian mimicry is described between three co-occurring species of the marine gastropod Lacuna (the model) and an amphipod mimic (Stenopleustes). Similar characteristics include size, color pattern, and locomotory behavior on eelgrass blades. Both animals inhabit subtidal eelgrass beds, but the mimic is only 1.0-4.2 percent as common as the model. Predatory fish (Cottidae, Pholidae) from the eelgrass habitat rarely eat Lacuna or Stenopleustes (shown by fecal analysis) but will readily eat Stenopleustes if the mimic betrays its snail disguise by swimming. Only 8.8 percent of the Stenopleustes (which walks along eelgrass blades and seldom swims) were eaten, compared to 62.5-percent predation of a co-occurring nonmimetic gammarid amphipod (which often swims), in laboratory predator-prey experiments. These data suggest that the amphipod, by resembling a conspicuous and relatively inedible snail, enjoys a protective advantage from predation by fish in the eelgrass habitat.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Field LH. 1974. A description and experimental analysis of Batesian mimicry between a marine gastropod and an amphipod. Pac Sci 28(4): 439-447.
Extent
Format
Geographic Location
Time Period
Related To
Table of Contents
Rights
Rights Holder
Local Contexts
Email libraryada-l@lists.hawaii.edu if you need this content in ADA-compliant format.