Intraspecific Olfactory Communication in the Terrestrial Salamander Plethodon cinereus
Tristram DA. 1977. Intraspecific Olfactory Communication in the Terrestrial Salamander Plethodon cinereus. Copeia. 1977(3):597-600
Salamanders have many glands, both dermal and cloacal, that may produce substances used inintraspecific communication. Such glands are apparently used in the courtship of some species(Salthe, 1967), and they may also be used for marking substrates in the home areas of i n d i -vidual salamanders. Newts probably use olfactory cues to orient to home areas (Grant et al.,1968), and a functioning olfactory system is necessary for homing in Plethodon jordani(Madison, 1972). Olfaction may also be important for individual recognition in P. Jordan.(Madison, 1975). The present study investigated the ability of individual P. cinereus todistinguish their own odors from those of conspecifics. Nose-tapping behavior was used asan indicator of the olfactory "interest" of salamanders in odors present on substrates. Suchbehavior may be the sensory means by which individual P. cinereus select substrates based onodor cues (R. Jaeger and W. Gergits, pers. comm.).
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Tristram, Debra
- Units
- SHEN
- Keywords
- intraspecific, olfactory, Plethodon cinereus, Salamander