White et al Behavioral Ecology 2026 Diel effects on antipredator behavior

Response (activity) of terrestrial salamanders to chemical cues from predators is influenced by activity period of the predator and time of day of the encounter. Edge behavior (thigmotaxis) was influenced by time of day, with salamanders showing more edge behavior in the daytime than at night, as expected for a nocturnal prey species. Salamanders were Ozark Zigzag Salamanders (<i>Plethodon angusticlavius</i>) and snakes were Garter Snakes (<i>Thamnophis sirtalis</i>--diurnal predator) and Ring-necked Snakes (<i>Didophis punctatus</i>--nocturnal predator).