A Complex Mimetic Relationship Between the Central Newt and Ozark Highlands Leech

In response to their strikingly similar coloration, we tested for a mimetic relationship between Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis (Central Newt) and Macrobdella diplotertia (Ozark Highlands leech). Early observations took place in a south-central Missouri woodland pond. Later, feeding experim...

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Published inSoutheastern naturalist (Steuben, Me.) Vol. 7; no. 1; pp. 173 - 179
Main Authors McCallum, Malcolm L., Beharry, Stacy, Trauth, Stanley E.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Southeastern Naturalist 01.03.2008
Humboldt Field Research Institute
Subjects
Animal mimicry
Ducks
Fish
Geese
Herpetology
Highlands
Hirudinea
Macrobdella diplotertia
Mimicry
Newts
Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis
Predators
Salamandridae
Sunfish
USA, Missouri
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Summary:In response to their strikingly similar coloration, we tested for a mimetic relationship between Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis (Central Newt) and Macrobdella diplotertia (Ozark Highlands leech). Early observations took place in a south-central Missouri woodland pond. Later, feeding experiments involving ducks, geese, and native fishes were conducted. Our results support a mimetic relationship between these 2 species that is not a simple classification. More in-depth study may be needed to elucidate the true nature of this relationship.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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ISSN:1528-7092
1938-5412
DOI:10.1656/1528-7092(2008)7[173:ACMRBT]2.0.CO;2