Communication using eye roll reflective signalling.

ABSTRACT: Body reflections in the ultraviolet (UV) are a common occurrence in nature. Despite the abundance of such signals and the presence of UV cones in the retinas of many vertebrates, the function of UV cones in the majority of taxa remains unclear. Here, we report on an unusual communication system in the razorback sucker, Xyrauchen texanus, that involves flash signals produced by quick eye rolls. Behavioural experiments and field observations indicate that this form of communication is used to signal territorial presence between males. The flash signal shows highest contrast in the UV region of the visual spectrum (lambdamax approximately 380 nm), corresponding to the maximum wavelength of absorption of the UV cone mechanism in suckers. Furthermore, these cones are restricted to the dorsal re

SUBMITTER: Novales Flamarique I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2093975 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature