Data for: The matador bug's flags deter avian predators

Large, conspicuous traits frequently evolve despite increased predator attention, but in some cases, specifically to attract attention. Sexually selected traits provide some of the clearest examples of elaboration, yet natural selection can also be a powerful driver. The matador bug, Anisoscelis alipes (Hemiptera: Coreidae), has large, colorful flags on its legs that, unlike many other coreid species, are not used in reproductive competition. We hypothesized that these flags either a) warn predators of chemical defense, or b) deflect predatory attack to the removable hindlegs. We pitted matador bugs with or without flags and crickets (Acheta domesticus) with or without bug flags experimentally attached to their legs, against live motmot bird predators (Momotus subrufescens and Electron platyrhynchum). Contrary to the deflection hypothesis, almost none of the predatory strikes were directed at hindleg flags. Instead, we found support for the aposematism hypothesis: matador bug flags redu..., , , # Data for: The matador bug's flags deter avian predators

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.t1g1jwt98](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.t1g1jwt98)

Here, we test the efficacy of matador bug (*Anisoscelis alipes*) flags against avian predators. We use motmots in our main trials, as they are sympatric natural predators. To test the palatability of the bugs, we used naive chicks. Please see the main text for more information.

## Description of the data and file structure

Data are compiled in two spreadsheets: one that pertains to the motmot trials (Rubin_etal_2024_BehavEcol.csv) and one that pertains to palatability trials with chicks (Palatability_data_Rubin_etal_BehavEcol2024.csv). The supplemental file is a pdf version of the R markdown script.

**Definitions of columns in the motmot datasheet:**

Bird = unique ID of each bird individual

Species = species of motmot bird predator

Day = trial day for each bird (1 or 2)

Trial_num = sequential identifier for each trial for each bird, per tr...