Conspicuous Coloration May Function To Deter Avian Predators In Appalachian Salamanders

I combined three complementary approaches to explore the potential for aposematic signaling in Plethodon yonahlossee and Ambystoma maculatum. I quantified integument conspicuousness from an avian perspective via reflectance spectrometry and spot size using Adobe Photoshop and the pavo package in R. I conducted a field experiment using clay models of conspicuous P. yonahlossee salamanders and inconspicuous P. montanus to assess predator response to conspicuous prey. I also used a comparative approach to explore whether conspicuous coloration in the genera Plethodon and Ambystoma co-occurs with other traits associated with aposematism (i.e. increased body size.