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Prey-rolling behavior of coatis (Nasua spp.) is elicited by benzoquinones from millipedes

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Abstract

Coatis (Nasua spp.), gregarious, omnivorous carnivores that range in forests from the southwestern USA to south America, dispatch millipedes by rolling them on the ground using rapid, alternating movements of their forepaws. Prey rolling of millipedes is thought to stimulate the depletion of their defensive secretions and to wipe off secretions before millipedes are consumed. We report that prey-rolling behavior in Nasua spp. is elicited by 1,4-benzoquinone; 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone; and 2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, the chief components of the defensive secretions of julidan, spirobolidan, and spirostreptidan millipedes. Chemicals elaborated for defense sometimes evolutionarily “backfire,” providing cues to predators on the presence or identity of prey. The elicitation of prey-rolling behavior in Nasua spp. by benzoquinones illustrates this effect for millipedes (and possibly other arthropods) that defensively discharge these compounds.

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Acknowledgements

B. Harrod, W. Piechocki, J. Roth, and J. Zolonowski (Vanishing Species Wildlife, Davie, FL, USA) permitted access to animals in their care. D. Barker and E. Timaeus (Vida Preciosa International, Boerne, TX, USA) supplied millipedes. J.E. Oliver and A. Weatherwax (USDA, Beltsville, MD, USA) provided synthetic chemicals. A. Hutchinson and D.T. Steere Jr. (Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Washington, DC, USA) provided valuable library services. J. Greff (Tonal Vision LLC, Baltimore, MD, USA) prepared the figure. P. Burchfield, S. Evans, and M. Tebraue extended courtesies in the course of our study. S. Evans, R. Hoffman, S. Krane, and T. Spande commented on the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Conservation and Research Center, Smithsonian Institution, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA

    Paul J. Weldon

  2. Tri-Lakes Veterinary Clinic and Exotics, 111 FM 21, Mount Pleasant, TX, 75455, USA

    Catherine F. Cranmore

  3. Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold Street, Brownsville, TX, 78520, USA

    Jenifer A. Chatfield

Authors
  1. Paul J. Weldon
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  2. Catherine F. Cranmore
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  3. Jenifer A. Chatfield
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Correspondence to Jenifer A. Chatfield.

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Weldon, P.J., Cranmore, C.F. & Chatfield, J.A. Prey-rolling behavior of coatis (Nasua spp.) is elicited by benzoquinones from millipedes. Naturwissenschaften 93, 14–16 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-005-0064-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-005-0064-z

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