Continuous Variation in an Aposematic Pattern Affects Background Contrast, but Is Not Associated With Differences in Microhabitat Use

Variation in aposematic signals was once predicted to be rare, yet recent years it has become increasingly well documented. Despite increases the frequency with which polytypism and polymorphism have been suggested occur, population-wide variance is rarely quantified. We comprehensively sampled a subpopulation of poison frog Oophaga sylvatica , species polytypic across its distribution also shows considerable within-population polymorphism. On one hand, color pattern could result multifarious selection acting balance different signaling functions leading evolution discrete sub-morphs occupy fitness peaks. Alternatively, simply due relaxed selection, where variation would continuous. used visual modeling conspecific heterospecific observers quantify extent within population phenotypic assess whether this produced distinct signals. found that, despite variation, not partitioned into groups, but rather all viewers likely perceive as Similarly, we no evidence that contrast either enhanced or diminished frogs’ chosen microhabitats compared alternative patches conspecifics were observed. Within therefore does seem indicative strong toward multiple strategies, divergence arisen weak purifying neutral processes, on signal highly salient both predators.