Phenological Relationships of Model and Mimic Salamanders

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Abstract
Different populations of Desmognathus ochrophaeus have different percentages of mimetic color patterns correlating with the geographic presence and abundance of models. The red-striped morph of D. ochrophaeus is most common (35.6%) at a locality where the model, Plethodon cinereus, is active during March and April. D. ochrophaeus is active from May-Aug. after the models are no longer on the surface. The period of activity of models corresponds with the arrival of migratory ground-feeding birds. These birds may learn to avoid the color pattern of the models which make up 82.7-97.9% of the salamander community active in March and subsequently avoid the same color pattern present in mimics. This seasonal difference in activity allows the mimetic morph to increase in abundance.

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