Date: Sat, 20 May 2000 15:58:59 +1000 From: r.jobson@botany.uq.edu.au To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg1595$foo@default> Subject: bladder mimics?
Hi Howard and Vitor,
A visual mimicry between the traps of aquatic Utricularia and a
particular crustacean. Why not!?
Meyer and Strickler found that the antennae and bristles of an
aquatic species (U. vulgaris) enhanced the attraction and capture
of prey (Chydorid Cladocera). In experiments I found that benthic
crustaceans (harpacticoid copepods) were attracted to traps of a
terrestrial Utric (U. uliginosa) due to a particular chemical rather
than sight (they are blind).
However, many of the pelagic microcrustacea (eg. Daphnia,
Chydorids and Calanoid copepods) certainly do visualise their
environment, so a form of visual mimicry is not out of the question.
But anyway Meyer and Strickler's work did support Darwins
"funnel" hypothesis were the longish antennae and mouth bristles
of U. vulgaris form a funnel to the trap door for chydorids. For other
prey organisms there may be a visual or even oldfactory mimicry.
Any other thoughts out there?
Best,
Richard
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