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- Title
Apparent stability in hindvving diversity in samples of moths of varying species composition.
- Authors
Sargent, T. D.; Owen, D. F.
- Abstract
The conspicuous and boldly marked hindwings of many species of' otherwise cryptic moths probably represent an example of "flash coloration" that tends to startle visual predators, such as birds. In eastern North America between 30 and 40 species of the moth genus Catocala may occur together in one small area. In four geographically separated localities there are marked differences in the occurrence and frequency of species but species diversity remains fairly constant. Differences in species composition probably reflect variations in the availability of Larval food-plants. Five groups of hindwing colour are designated and analysis reveals that hindwing diversity in the four Localities is nearly constant. In particular the percentage of individuals with achromatic (no yellow, red or pink) hindwings remains remarkably stable. It is argued that stability in hindwing diversity in assemblages of moths of varying species composition is maintained by selective predation, especially by birds, and that observed frequencies function, to some extent, to "confuse" potential predators.
- Subjects
BIODIVERSITY; INSECTS; SPECIES diversity; PREDATORY animals; MOTHS; BIRDS
- Publication
Oikos, 1975, Vol 26, Issue 2, p205
- ISSN
0030-1299
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2307/3543710