Marc Thery co-authored the following publication on UV-vision in Caudata:
Mège P, Ödeen A, Théry M, Picard D & Secondi J. 2016. Partial opsin sequences suggest UV-sensitive vision is widespread in Caudata. Evolutionary Biology 4: 109-118.
Abstract
We
experimentally investigated the influence of developmental plasticity
of ultraviolet (UV) visual sensitivity on predation efficiency of the
larval smooth newt, Lissotriton vulgaris. We quantified expression of
SWS1 opsin gene (UV-sensitive protein of photoreceptor cells) in the
retinas of individuals who had developed in the presence (UV) or absence
(UV2) of UV light (developmental treatments), and tested their
predation efficiency under UV and UV2 light (testing treatments). We
found that both SWS1 opsin expression and predation efficiency were
significantly reduced in the UV2 developmental group. Larvae in the UV2
testing environment displayed consistently lower predation efficiency
regardless of their developmental treatment. These results prove for the
first time, we believe, functional UV vision and developmental
plasticity of UV sensitivity in an amphibian at the larval stage. They
also demonstrate that UV wavelengths enhance predation efficiency and
suggest that the magnitude of the behavioural response depends on
retinal properties induced by the developmental lighting environment.