# Predator responses to artificial aposematic and cryptic colouration in terrestrial isopods (Isopoda, Oniscidea)

## TL;DR

This study explores if artificial color patterns on woodlice can act as warning signals to deter predators like lizards.

## Contribution

The research introduces an experimental approach to test aposematism in terrestrial isopods using artificial coloration.

## Key findings

- Lizards showed different observation behaviors based on prey coloration.
- Sex differences were observed in how lizards responded to colored prey.
- Artificial coloration influenced predator behavior in both observation and manipulation phases.

## Abstract

Aposematism is a distinctive or warning signal that provides the animal with protection against a potential predator. Aposematic colouration is easier for a predator to remember and to avoid a dangerous and/or unpalatable prey in the future. We investigated whether distinctive colouration has an aposematic function in terrestrial isopods. The common rough woodlice (Porcellioscaber) were used as a model species of terrestrial isopods and the Italian wall lizard (Podarcissiculus) as a predatory species. To imitate the distinctive colouration on isopods we marked their dorsal plates with yellow dots. The control group of the woodlice were marked with grey spots. Differences in behaviour (observation, manipulation and consummation) and the lizards’ behaviour changes towards aposematically and cryptically coloured prey were analysed. Differences were found in prey observation both between sexes and between prey colours.