Hedgehogs use toad venom in their own defence
Abstract
I REPORT here that toxic secretions evolved in prey organisms such as toads (Bufo) as chemical anti-predator mechanisms are used by hedgehogs (Insectivora, Erinaceidae) to enhance their own mechanical anti-predator adaptations-the spines, modified hairs, of the back. The secretions are taken into the mouth and licked on to the spines. In spite of interest in chemical, mechanical and behavioural anti-predator adaptions of both invertebrates and vertebrates1 there have been no reports of the behavioural utilisation of the anti-predator secretions of one species by another for its own defence. Toad skin is one of many irritating substances used by hedgehogs in self-anointing, and the presence of any of these, fresh or dried, on the spines would probably increase the pain or potential of infection to the would-be predator.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- August 1977
- DOI:
- 10.1038/268627a0
- Bibcode:
- 1977Natur.268..627B