Defensive coloration is not a reliable indicator of fungal infection in aposematic poison frogs.

ABSTRACT: The expression of visual signals such as coloration can be altered by parasitic or pathogenic infections through multiple pathways, including resource reallocation, impaired tissue structure, and reduced pigment acquisition. These effects may compromise the functions of coloration and overall fitness. Conversely, the link between pigments and immunological defences can aid differently colored individuals in coping with infection. While the pigmentation-condition association has been widely studied in the context of sexual selection, far less is known about how pathogens affect defensive coloration, such as aposematic signals. Here, we investigated whether infection by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is reflected in characteristics of the melanin- and/o

SUBMITTER: Schlippe Justicia L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12705270 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature