Ultraviolet cues in fruit-frugivore interactions

Abstract

All diurnal birds studied so far, many reptiles, amphibians, fish and some rodents are able to detect near-ultraviolet light (UV; 320-400 nm) invisible to humans. In many animals, UV cues have been found to play a role in foraging and mate choice. As many fruits reflect UV light, frugivores sensitive to UV may also use these cues in foraging. Fruit colours and their contrast with background coloration may attract frugivores. In this thesis, I studied the fruit colour preferences of both redwings (Turdus iliacus) and small rodents (house mice, Mus musculus and bank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus).