RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 How predator hunting-modes affect prey behaviour: Capture deterrence in Drosophila melanogaster JF bioRxiv FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory SP 010330 DO 10.1101/010330 A1 Abhijna Parigi A1 Cody Porter A1 Megan Cermak A1 William R. Pitchers A1 Ian Dworkin YR 2014 UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2014/10/14/010330.abstract AB Hunting mode or the distinct set of behavioural strategies that a predator employs while hunting can be an important determinant of the prey organism’s behavioural response. However, few studies have considered the predator’s hunting mode while describing differences in anti-predatory behaviours of a prey species. Here we document the influence of active hunters (zebra jumping spiders, Salticus scenicus) and ambush predators (Chinese praying mantids, Tenodera aridifolia sinensis) on the capture deterrence anti-predatory behavioural repertoire of the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. We hypothesized that D. melanogaster would reduce overall locomotory activity in the presence of ambush predators, and increase them with active hunters. First we observed and described the behavioural repertoire of D. melanogaster in the presence of the predators. We documented three previously undescribed behaviours-abdominal lifting, stopping and retreat-which were performed at higher frequency by D. melanogaster in the presence of predators, and may aid in capture deterrence. Consistent with our predictions, we observed an increase in the overall activity of D. melanogaster in the presence of jumping spiders (active hunter). However, counter to our prediction, mantids (ambush hunter) had only a modest influence on activity. Given these new insights into Drosophila behaviour, and with the genetic tools available, dissecting the molecular mechanisms of anti-predator behaviours may now be feasible in this system.