摘要:

Comparative studies on the chemistry and behavioral significance of femoral gland secretions in desert iguanas (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) and green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are reviewed. Field and laboratory studies suggest that femoral gland secretions function in conspecific recognition and range marking. In desert iguanas, secretions are of low volatility and may be detected initially using long-range ultraviolet visual cues. In contrast, green iguana secretions contain a diversity of volatile lipids and appear to be localized by chemoreception. Interspecific differences in femoral gland chemistry may reflect adaptations to the diverse climatic conditions of arid desert and tropical forest environments.

ISSN:0006-8977    

DOI:10.1159/000113847

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1993

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

The red-sided garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis is an ideal model for the study of chemical or pheromonal communication in vertebrates. Results of long-term field and laboratory investigations of the chemical ecology of these unusual animals is summarized. These studies include a description of the characterization of the female attractiveness pheromone that serves to induce male courtship behavior. The male sex recognition pheromone system that identifies males as inappropriate individuals to court is also described. She-males, individual males that are courted as if they were females, seem to possess semiochemical components intermediate to both males and females. Finally, investigations of the species-specific nature of these pheromones indicate that chemical differences exist in the methyl ketones of all species examined to date.

ISSN:0006-8977    

DOI:10.1159/000113848

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1993

数据来源: Karger