Why are warning colours in animals so rare?

  • Herberstein, Mariella (Primary Chief Investigator)
  • Kikuchi, David W. (Partner Investigator)
  • Beaumont, Linda (Chief Investigator)
  • Rowland, Hannah (Partner Investigator)
  • Mappes, Johanna (Partner Investigator)

Project: Research

Project Details

Description

Toxic insects display warning colours as protection from predators who learn to associate the colours with an unpleasant taste. Theoretically, there is no limit to the number of species with warning colours but only about 5% are estimated to display them. This presents a fundamental and unresolved biological problem - what limits warning colours? This project will address this significant biological question by assessing how many butterflies have warning colours and test three hypotheses that might limit warning colours. By providing detailed information about butterfly diversity and abundance we will also contribute to conservation efforts and harness public interest in charismatic colourful insects.
Short titleWhy are warning colours in animals so rare?
AcronymDP22
StatusActive
Effective start/end date17/06/2216/06/25