The Daily Bulletin

Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar “Exploring mimicry and visual communication in woodpeckers: a field study utilizing 3D-printed models”, presented by Lauren Smith and “Crayfish Fight Club: Winner-loser effect as a management strategy against invasive crayfish”, presented by Emily Klimczak on Monday, May 5th, at 3:00 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center 214. Attendees are welcome to arrive at 2:30 p.m. to enjoy coffee and cookies leading up to the seminar.

Exploring mimicry and visual communication in woodpeckers: a field study utilizing 3D-printed models Abstract: The evolution of similar phenotypes poses an interesting challenge in evolutionary biology. While divergent ecologies may drive differing morphology, physiology, or behavior, similar phenotypes are often due to similar ecology or selection for mimicry. One prominent case of mimetic phenotypes is found in Hairy and Downy woodpeckers. While several hypotheses might explain the hairy-downy mimicry complex, we aimed to assess the idea that Downy woodpeckers benefit from resembling Hairy woodpeckers. To test this hypothesis, we used 3D-printed models of various woodpecker species in the field. These models were painted with colors that resemble woodpecker species. The experimental conditions were 3D models of Hairy and Downy woodpeckers, while we also employed Red-bellied and White-headed Woodpeckers, both the size of a Downy. Our controls were unpainted models and trials with no physical 3D-printed model. For further support, we included taxidermied specimens of the Hairy and Downy woodpecker. In the experimental trials, we recorded several behaviors of wild birds to compare across experimental conditions. The experiments were conducted in diverse environments throughout Western New York, across multiple seasons. Our findings underscore the complex interaction between mimicry and visual communication in woodpeckers. Specifically, our results showed the Downy specimen induced more fleeing behavior than any other mount type, indicating a stronger aversive response. When birds did choose to land, they showed a significant preference for landing on the opposite side from both the Hairy specimen and Hairy mount, at statistically comparable rates. The consistent avoidance patterns between Hairy and Downy mounts, particularly in landing position choices, suggest that birds may perceive and respond to these different models in a similar manner, supporting the effectiveness of the mimetic relationship.

Crayfish Fight Club: Winner-loser effect as a management strategy against invasive crayfish Abstract:

Behavior determines, in part, the outcome of most direct competition interactions. A win or loss by an individual in a competition can have major effects on its behavior in future competitions and resource acquisition, a phenomenon known as the winner-loser effect. The present study investigated the influence of winner-loser effects on interspecific interactions between a native species (Cambarus robustus) and an invasive species (Procambarus clarkii) and assessed the efficacy of incorporating winner-loser effects to manage crayfish invasions. Forty-nine big water crayfish (BWC) were trained through the winner-loser effect to obtain, or enhance, a winner mentality. Overall, 88 trials ensued comparing behavior between trained and untrained BWC versus invasive red swamp crayfish (RSC). Of those trials, 46 were food competition trials and 42 were non-food trials. Both non-food and food competition trials found no difference in trial outcome between trained and random BWC. Non-food trials resulted in an increase in BWC wins compared to RSC wins. Food competition trials resulted in nearly all the trials being dominated by RSC. These data suggest using the winner-loser effect is not a reliable management technique when partnered with BWC.