Sensory cues and foraging decisions in a large carnivorous lizard, Varanus albigularis
Article Abstract:
The feeding behavior of the white-throated savannah monitor was analyzed to determine possible sensory cues that affect foraging decisions. Several lizards were subjected to different sensory cues relating to their choice prey, land snails. Results showed that the lizards differentiated between land snails using both visual and chemical cues. Moreover, they tended to select large land snails over smaller ones, suggesting a possible selectivity in obtaining a high caloric reward for minimal energy exertion.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1996
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The predatory response of a stalking spider, Plexippus paykulli, to camouflage and prey type
Article Abstract:
A study was conducted on the predatory responses of the jumping spider (Plexippus paykulli) to different prey types and camouflaging characteristics. Results reveal that background color does not affect the jumping distance of the spider when preying on maggots. Spiders, however, exercised more caution when stalking adult house flies and maggots in camouflaged backgrounds. Results show that spiders consider such probabilities as prey departure, early detection, interference and escape.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1997
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