Oxycarenus lavaterae is species of Heteroptera and possessing pink blots on corium and distinctive, gleaming membranaceous wings. This appearance could correspond to the definition of a warning color. The design is similar to other coreoid Heteroptera, which live in the Czech Republic; though Oxycarenus lavaterae is a species originating from Mediterranean and quickly spreading north. In Czech Republic it is a new species and predators thus have only short experience with it.The information about chemical protection of Oxycarenus lavaterae is weak and the effect on predators has never been tested. The characteristic behaviour for this species is creating large aggregations, primarily at the time of hibernation. At that time, several thousands of individuals are gathered in apertures or at the surface of tree bark. The aggregation may enhance the warning appearance of this species. The aim of this study was to test the response of bird predators to the adult individuals of Oxycarenus lavaterae. Three species of insectivorous birds differing in the level of foraging and diet specialization was chosen as predator (namely - Great tit (Parus major), Blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)). Unmodified individuals of Oxycarenus lavaterae were served to these predators. In the case of the Parus major, the aggregation of Oxycarenus lavaterae (about 100 pieces) was also presented to test the effect of gregarious behavior on the warning signal. This study showed that the Parus major and the Sylvia atricapilla attacked the individual Oxycarenus more often than the Cyanistes caeruleus showing high level of restraint. In experiments with aggregatedOxycarenus lavaterae Parus major attacked them less often than when presented solitarily. However, after eating some Oxycarenus lavaterae, the Parus major showed symptoms of disgust and loss of appetite.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:nusl.cz/oai:invenio.nusl.cz:396069 |
| Date | January 2019 |
| Creators | MEJDA, Tomáš |
| Source Sets | Czech ETDs |
| Language | Czech |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | info:eu-repo/semantics/masterThesis |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccess |
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