title: UV wavelengths experienced during development affect larval newt visual sensitivity and predation efficiency.
abstract: We experimentally investigated the influence of developmental plasticity of ultraviolet (UV) visual sensitivity on predation efficiency of the larval smooth newt, Lissotriton vulgaris. We quantified expression of SWS1 opsin gene (UV-sensitive protein of photoreceptor cells) in the retinas of individuals who had developed in the presence (UV+) or absence (UV-) of UV light (developmental treatments), and tested their predation efficiency under UV+ and UV- light (testing treatments). We found that both SWS1 opsin expression and predation efficiency were significantly reduced in the UV- developmental group. Larvae in the UV- testing environment displayed consistently lower predation efficiency regardless of their developmental treatment. These results prove for the first time, we believe, functional UV vision and developmental plasticity of UV sensitivity in an amphibian at the larval stage. They also demonstrate that UV wavelengths enhance predation efficiency and suggest that the magnitude of the behavioural response depends on retinal properties induced by the developmental lighting environment.
authors: UMR 7179 CNRS-MNHN, Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution, Brunoy, France GECCO, Université d'Angers, France.
authors: Mélissa
authors: 0000-0002-4496-2450
authors: M
authors: Martin
authors: UMR 7179 CNRS-MNHN, Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution, Brunoy, France.
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Théry
authors: UMR 7179 CNRS-MNHN, Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution, Brunoy, France.
authors: Gwendolen
authors: G
authors: Rodgers
authors: UPRES EA 2647/USC INRA 1330, Récepteurs et Canaux Ioniques Membranaires, Université d'Angers, France.
authors: Delphine
authors: D
authors: Goven
authors: GECCO, Université d'Angers, France UMR 6554 Littoral, Environnement, Télédétection, Géomatique, Université d'Angers, France.
authors: Stéphane
authors: S
authors: Sourice
authors: UMR 7179 CNRS-MNHN, Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution, Brunoy, France GECCO, Université d'Angers, France.
authors: Pascal
authors: P
authors: Mège
authors: GECCO, Université d'Angers, France UMR 6554 Littoral, Environnement, Télédétection, Géomatique, Université d'Angers, France jean.secondi@univ-angers.fr.
authors: Jean
authors: 0000-0001-8130-1195
authors: J
authors: Secondi
mesh_terms: D029845:Amphibian Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D015870:Gene Expression; D007814:Larva / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D055355:Opsins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012455:Salamandridae / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000528:radiation effects*
chemical_list: D029845:Amphibian Proteins; D055355:Opsins
keywords: Lissotriton vulgaris; SWS1 opsin gene; development; foraging; ultraviolet vision; water transmission