Data from: Foraging predicts the evolution of warning coloration and mimicry in snakes

Warning coloration and Batesian mimicry are classic examples of Darwinian
evolution, but empirical evolutionary patterns are often paradoxical. We
test whether a new factor, trade-offs with foraging, influences the
evolution of striking coloration by integrating genetic and ecological
data for aposematic and mimetic snakes (Elapidae and Dipsadidae). Our
phylogenetic comparison of a total of 432 species demonstrated that
dramatic changes in coloration were well-predicted by the foraging
strategy. Multiple tests consistently indicated that warning coloration
and conspicuous mimicry were more likely to evolve in species where
foraging costs of conspicuous appearance were relaxed by the poor vision
of their prey or concealed habitat. Reversion to crypsis was also
well-predicted by ecology for elapids, but not for dipsadids. In contrast
to a theoretical prediction and general trends, snakes’ conspicuous
coloration was correlated with secretive ecology, suggesting that a
selection regime underlies evolutionary patterns. We also found evidence
that mimicry of inconspicuous models (pitvipers) may have evolved in
association with foraging demand for crypsis. These findings demonstrate
that foraging is an important factor necessary to understand the
evolution, persistence, and diversity of warning coloration and mimicry of
snakes, highlighting the significance of additional selective factors in
solving the warning coloration paradox.