Meeting Abstract
Camouflage through background matching is a common anti-predator strategy. There are multiple evolutionary mechanisms that could result in accurate crypsis. First, animals that passively match their surroundings are more likely to survive a predator encounter and pass on their traits. Alternatively, animals in complex backgrounds could move to an area where they are less conspicuous. The second option implies the animal has some awareness of their own color. This concept has not been extensively explored. Texas Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) are known to use color patterns for camouflage, but the evolutionary mechanism leading to this crypsis remains unknown. We are using a lab-based study to estimate the lizard’s tendency to background match by placing individuals in an experimental tank with three background colors (black, brown, and white) then exposing them to a predator cue. By recording the amount of time they spend in each color patch and seeing if it changes in response to a predator cue, we can estimate their self-awareness of color and its use as an anti-predator strategy. As a secondary avenue, we created an agent-based model predicting the predation rate of P. cornutum following both mechanisms. Preliminary trials suggest the lizards do not actively background match but may take cue from their natal environment as the captive born juveniles tended to favor the lighter background matching the substrate they grew up with. The model suggests decreased predation rates with active background matching, but needs to be validated with additional studies. This information can inform ideal release locations for captive rearing and release programs.
