Meeting Abstract

32.3  Wednesday, Jan. 5  Modulation of the movements of the trophic and locomotor systems in response to prey size and velocity in Lizards MONTUELLE, Stephane J*; HERREL, Anthony; LIBOUREL, Paul-Antoine; DAILLIE, Sandra; BELS, Vincent; Ohio University; Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle – Paris; Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle – Paris; Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle – Paris; Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle – Paris Montuelle@oucom.ohiou.edu

Predator-prey interactions are key features in the evolution of ecosystems. Predator performance is modulated in response to changes in prey characteristics such as size and mobility. Whereas the effects of prey size and speed have been demonstrated on the movements of trophic system (e.g. jaws and tongue), prey capture involves the integration of movements of both trophic and locomotor systems. Here we investigate the role of locomotor-trophic integration in predator-prey interactions by recording prey capture behavior in three squamate lizards (Gerrhosaurus major, Tupinambis merianae and Varanus sp) while capturing grasshoppers and mice. Our hypothesis is that functional integration is a key component of prey capture behavior of actively foraging lizards, especially when faced with evasive preys. First, we investigate the integration of jaw movements with the elevation of the neck and the angular configuration of the forelimb. Next, we quantify prey size and speed, and test the correlation between prey properties and predator kinematics. Our data demonstrate that the coordination of jaws movements with neck elevation and the configuration of the forelimb differs when lizards are faced with grasshoppers versus mice. Moreover, movements of trophic and locomotor units are affected by changes in prey size and prey speed. Thus, the functional integration of trophic and locomotor units during prey capture appears to be a key component of predator-prey interactions.