Reactive and anticipatory display to deflect predatory attack to an autotomous lizard tail
Antipredation display is usually directed to predators that have been detected, but might be beneficial when predators are likely to be dangerously close, but undetected. Anticipatory display could be selectively favored if it increased the probability of escape sufficiently to outweigh the increased probability of being detected and captured by a previously unaware predator. This is especially likely if prey have adaptations permitting a high probability of escape when attacked, such as deflection of attack to dispensible parts. Deflective displays typically occur under threat of imminent attack by a predator detected within striking distance, but might also occur in circumstances reliably entailing a high risk of ambush by undetected predators, especially immediately after an animal stops following a bout of locomotion. Tail undulation was observed in the broad-headed skink (Eumeces laticeps), a lizard with a conspicuous, autotomous tail that enhances escape ability. Eumeces laticeps undulated its tail before fleeing from a looming predator and immediately after stopping in the absence of a detected predator. Undulation after stopping confirms predictions of anticipatory deflective display and contradicts alternative hypotheses. Undulation just before flight from a predator very close at hand is a form of reactive deflection.