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Scali S, Sacchi R, Gozzo E, Chiesa S, Coladonato AJ, Zuffi MAL, Mangiacotti M. The size of a smell: assessment of rival’s relative size from femoral secretions in the common wall lizards, Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768). Behav Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arac128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Animal communication depends on signals conveying information to a receiver who must perceive and decode them. Signals involved in territoriality are usually complex stimuli that should be correctly interpreted to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Lacertids use both visual and chemical stimuli in modulating their aggressive response against conspecifics and the rival’s size is one of the most important information, affecting the success probability in combat. To assess the actual ability of decoding information about a rival’s size based on its chemical stimulus alone, 60 males of Podarcis muralis were tested for three consecutive days in an arena bearing a mirror (to simulate an equal-sized intruder), and the chemical cues (femoral secretions) from an unknown individual of different size. Significant differences were observed in tongue-flicks number, which grew as the size difference between the focal lizard and the secretion donor decreased. This can be interpreted as the need for the lizard to better evaluate the potential competitor’s characteristics. The size difference also affected the number of bites against the mirror. They increased when the size of the focal lizard was larger than the donor triggering the aggressive response with a higher probability of winning the contest. This confirms that the focal lizard had correctly decoded the information about the opponent’s size by chemical stimulus. Although previous studies have shown that some components of the chemical signals are potentially informative about the signaler’s size, this is the first demonstration that male P. muralis is actually able to decode and use such information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Scali
- Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano , Corso Venezia 55, I-20121 Milano , Italy
| | - Roberto Sacchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell’Ambiente, Università di Pavia , Viale Torquato Taramelli 24, I-27100, Pavia , Italy
| | - Elisabetta Gozzo
- Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano , Corso Venezia 55, I-20121 Milano , Italy
| | - Stefano Chiesa
- Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano , Corso Venezia 55, I-20121 Milano , Italy
| | - Alan J Coladonato
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell’Ambiente, Università di Pavia , Viale Torquato Taramelli 24, I-27100, Pavia , Italy
| | - Marco A L Zuffi
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Pisa , Via Roma 79 , I-56011 Calci, PI , Italy
| | - Marco Mangiacotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell’Ambiente, Università di Pavia , Viale Torquato Taramelli 24, I-27100, Pavia , Italy
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2
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Romero-Diaz C, Xu C, Campos SM, Herrmann MA, Kusumi K, Hews DK, Martins EP. Brain transcriptomic responses of Yarrow's spiny lizard, Sceloporus jarrovii, to conspecific visual or chemical signals. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 20:e12753. [PMID: 34036739 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Species with multimodal communication integrate information from social cues in different modalities into behavioral responses that are mediated by changes in gene expression in the brain. Differences in patterns of gene expression between signal modalities may shed light on the neuromolecular mechanisms underlying multisensory processing. Here, we use RNA-Seq to analyze brain transcriptome responses to either chemical or visual social signals in a territorial lizard with multimodal communication. Using an intruder challenge paradigm, we exposed 18 wild-caught, adult, male Sceloporus jarrovii to either male conspecific scents (femoral gland secretions placed on a small pebble), the species-specific push-up display (a programmed robotic model), or a control (an unscented pebble). We conducted differential expression analysis with both a de novo S. jarrovii transcriptome assembly and the reference genome of a closely related species, Sceloporus undulatus. Despite some inter-individual variation, we found significant differences in gene expression in the brain across signal modalities and the control in both analyses. The most notable differences occurred between chemical and visual stimulus treatments, closely followed by visual stimulus versus the control. Altered expression profiles could explain documented aggression differences in the immediate behavioral response to conspecific signals from different sensory modalities. Shared differentially expressed genes between visually- or chemically-stimulated males are involved in neural activity and neurodevelopment and several other differentially expressed genes in stimulus-challenged males are involved in conserved signal-transduction pathways associated with the social stress response, aggression and the response to territory intruders across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cindy Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Stephanie M Campos
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Morgan A Herrmann
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Kenro Kusumi
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Diana K Hews
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana, USA
| | - Emília P Martins
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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3
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Romero-Diaz C, Pruett JA, Campos SM, Ossip-Drahos AG, Zúñiga-Vega JJ, Vital-García C, Hews DK, Martins EP. Evolutionary loss of a signalling colour is linked to increased response to conspecific chemicals. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210256. [PMID: 33784866 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioural responses to communicative signals combine input from multiple sensory modalities and signal compensation theory predicts that evolutionary shifts in one sensory modality could impact the response to signals in other sensory modalities. Here, we conducted two types of field experiments with 11 species spread across the lizard genus Sceloporus to test the hypothesis that the loss of visual signal elements affects behavioural responses to a chemical signal (conspecific scents) or to a predominantly visual signal (a conspecific lizard), both of which are used in intraspecific communication. We found that three species that have independently lost a visual signal trait, a colourful belly patch, responded to conspecific scents with increased chemosensory behaviour compared to a chemical control, while species with the belly patch did not. However, most species, with and without the belly patch, responded to live conspecifics with increased visual displays of similar magnitude. While aggressive responses to visual stimuli are taxonomically widespread in Sceloporus, our results suggest that increased chemosensory response behaviour is linked to colour patch loss. Thus, interactions across sensory modalities could constrain the evolution of complex signalling phenotypes, thereby influencing signal diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jake A Pruett
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK, USA
| | - Stephanie M Campos
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alison G Ossip-Drahos
- Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Marian University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - J Jaime Zúñiga-Vega
- Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México
| | - Cuauhcihuatl Vital-García
- Departamento de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, México
| | - Diana K Hews
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA
| | - Emília P Martins
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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4
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Romero-Diaz C, Campos SM, Herrmann MA, Soini HA, Novotny MV, Hews DK, Martins EP. Composition and compound proportions affect the response to complex chemical signals in a spiny lizard. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-02987-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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5
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Behavioural discrimination of male mental gland secretions of the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) by both sexes. Behav Processes 2021; 183:104314. [PMID: 33421529 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2021.104314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Chemical communication is important for mate choice, especially at long distances in fragmented populations. The gopher tortoise is a social species that is threatened in the southeast U.S. due to habitat fragmentation and decline. One consequence of habitat loss is reduced mating opportunities, yet chemical signalling in gopher tortoises is relatively under-studied. Here, we investigated chemoreception of tortoise discrimination of chin secretions, or mental gland (MG) secretions. To assess conspecific recognition of male MG secretions, we conducted two paired-choice experiments: one with a neutral odorant control (NC; distilled water) and one with a pungent odorant control (PC; acetone) vs. male MG secretions. Behaviours were defined a priori, and their durations were quantified relative to treatments. Each sex spent significantly more time with MG secretions vs. acetone control during the PC study (p= 0.001). Each sex also sniffed MG swabs more frequently in both studies (PC study: p=0.0003; NC study: p=0.001). A principal components analysis of behavioural durations from the PC study identified one component with a significant treatment effect performed to MG secretions (p=0.0003), including the behaviours sniffing, head bobbing, biting, and eating near a swab. Our study provides the first chemical-behavioural bioassay of MG secretions from male gopher tortoises, suggesting MG secretions may be a source of pheromones.
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Colosimo G, Di Marco G, D'Agostino A, Gismondi A, Vera CA, Gerber GP, Scardi M, Canini A, Gentile G. Chemical signatures of femoral pore secretions in two syntopic but reproductively isolated species of Galápagos land iguanas (Conolophus marthae and C. subcristatus). Sci Rep 2020; 10:14314. [PMID: 32868803 PMCID: PMC7458923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71176-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The only known population of Conolophus marthae (Reptilia, Iguanidae) and a population of C. subcristatus are syntopic on Wolf Volcano (Isabela Island, Galápagos). No gene flow occurs suggesting that effective reproductive isolating mechanisms exist between these two species. Chemical signature of femoral pore secretions is important for intra- and inter-specific chemical communication in squamates. As a first step towards testing the hypothesis that chemical signals could mediate reproductive isolation between C. marthae and C. subcristatus, we compared the chemical profiles of femoral gland exudate from adults caught on Wolf Volcano. We compared data from three different years and focused on two years in particular when femoral gland exudate was collected from adults during the reproductive season. Samples were processed using Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). We identified over 100 different chemical compounds. Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (nMDS) was used to graphically represent the similarity among individuals based on their chemical profiles. Results from non-parametric statistical tests indicate that the separation between the two species is significant, suggesting that the chemical profile signatures of the two species may help prevent hybridization between C. marthae and C. subcristatus. Further investigation is needed to better resolve environmental influence and temporal reproductive patterns in determining the variation of biochemical profiles in both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Colosimo
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027-7000, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia D'Agostino
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlos A Vera
- Galápagos National Park Directorate, Technical Biodiversity Research, Av. C. Darwin, Puerto Ayora, 200350, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Glenn P Gerber
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027-7000, USA
| | - Michele Scardi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Gentile
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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7
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Ruiz-Monachesi MR, Valdecantos S, Lobo F, Cruz FB, Labra A. Retreat Sites Shared by Two Liolaemus Lizard Species: Exploring the Potential Role of Scents. SOUTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-18-00051.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario R. Ruiz-Monachesi
- Instituto de Bio y Geo Ciencias del Noroeste Argentino-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Soledad Valdecantos
- Instituto de Bio y Geo Ciencias del Noroeste Argentino-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Fernando Lobo
- Instituto de Bio y Geo Ciencias del Noroeste Argentino-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Félix B. Cruz
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Antonieta Labra
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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8
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Campos SM, Pruett JA, Soini HA, Zúñiga-Vega JJ, Goldberg JK, Vital-García C, Hews DK, Novotny MV, Martins EP. Volatile fatty acid and aldehyde abundances evolve with behavior and habitat temperature in Sceloporus lizards. Behav Ecol 2020; 31:978-991. [PMID: 32764859 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/araa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal signals evolve by striking a balance between the need to convey information through particular habitats and the limitations of what types of signals can most easily be produced and perceived. Here, we present new results from field measures of undisturbed behavior and biochemical analyses of scent marks from 12 species of Sceloporus lizards to explore whether evolutionary changes in chemical composition are better predicted by measures of species behavior, particularly those associated with visual displays, chemoreception, and locomotion, or by measures of habitat climate (precipitation and temperature). We found that more active lizard species used fewer compounds in their volatile scent marks, perhaps conveying less specific information about individual and species identity. Scent marks from more active lizard species also had higher proportions of saturated fatty acids, and the evolution of these compounds has been tracking the phylogeny closely as we would expect for a metabolic byproduct. In contrast, the proportions of unsaturated fatty acids were better explained by evolutionary shifts in habitat temperature (and not precipitation), with species in warmer climates using almost no volatile unsaturated fatty acids. The proportion of aldehydes was explained by both behavior and environment, decreasing with behavioral activity and increasing with habitat temperature. Our results highlight the evolutionary flexibility of complex chemical signals, with different chemical compounds responding to different elements of the selective landscape over evolutionary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Campos
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jake A Pruett
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK, USA
| | - Helena A Soini
- Department of Chemistry and the Institute for Pheromone Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - J Jaime Zúñiga-Vega
- Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Jay K Goldberg
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Cuauhcihuatl Vital-García
- Departamento de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Anillo envolvente y Estocolmo s/n, Zona PRONAF, Juárez, Chihuahua, CP, Mexico
| | - Diana K Hews
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA
| | - Milos V Novotny
- Department of Chemistry and the Institute for Pheromone Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Emília P Martins
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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9
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Romero-Diaz C, Campos SM, Herrmann MA, Lewis KN, Williams DR, Soini HA, Novotny MV, Hews DK, Martins EP. Structural Identification, Synthesis and Biological Activity of Two Volatile Cyclic Dipeptides in a Terrestrial Vertebrate. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4303. [PMID: 32152427 PMCID: PMC7062908 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61312-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Single substances within complex vertebrate chemical signals could be physiologically or behaviourally active. However, the vast diversity in chemical structure, physical properties and molecular size of semiochemicals makes identifying pheromonally active compounds no easy task. Here, we identified two volatile cyclic dipeptides, cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) and cyclo(L-Pro-L-Pro), from the complex mixture of a chemical signal in terrestrial vertebrates (lizard genus Sceloporus), synthesised one of them and investigated their biological activity in male intra-specific communication. In a series of behavioural trials, lizards performed more chemosensory behaviour (tongue flicks, lip smacks and substrate lickings) when presented with the synthesised cyclo(L-Pro-L-Pro) chemical blend, compared to the controls, the cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) blend, or a combined blend with both cyclic dipeptides. The results suggest a potential semiochemical role of cyclo(L-Pro-L-Pro) and a modulating effect of cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) that may depend on the relative concentration of both compounds in the chemical signal. In addition, our results stress how minor compounds in complex mixtures can produce a meaningful behavioural response, how small differences in structural design are crucial for biological activity, and highlight the need for more studies to determine the complete functional landscape of biologically relevant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie M Campos
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Morgan A Herrmann
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Kristen N Lewis
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - David R Williams
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Helena A Soini
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.,Institute for Pheromone Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Milos V Novotny
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.,Institute for Pheromone Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Diana K Hews
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, 47809, USA
| | - Emília P Martins
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
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10
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Mangiacotti M, Pezzi S, Fumagalli M, Coladonato AJ, d'Ettorre P, Leroy C, Bonnet X, Zuffi MAL, Scali S, Sacchi R. Seasonal Variations in Femoral Gland Secretions Reveals some Unexpected Correlations Between Protein and Lipid Components in a Lacertid Lizard. J Chem Ecol 2019; 45:673-683. [PMID: 31407198 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-019-01092-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Animals modulate intraspecific signal shape and intensity, notably during reproductive periods. Signal variability typically follows a seasonal scheme, traceable through the expression of visual, acoustic, chemical and behavioral patterns. The chemical channel is particularly important in lizards, as demonstrated by well-developed epidermal glands in the cloacal region that secrete lipids and proteins recognized by conspecifics. In males, the seasonal pattern of gland activity is underpinned by variation of circulating androgens. Changes in the composition of lipid secretions convey information about the signaler's quality (e.g., size, immunity). Presumably, individual identity is associated with a protein signature present in the femoral secretions, but this has been poorly investigated. For the first time, we assessed the seasonal variability of the protein signal in relation to plasma testosterone level (T), glandular activity and the concentration of provitamin D3 in the lipid fraction. We sampled 174 male common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) over the entire activity season. An elevation of T was observed one to two months before the secretion peak of lipids during the mating season; such expected delay between hormonal fluctuation and maximal physiological response fits well with the assumption that provitamin D3 indicates individual quality. One-dimensional electrophoretic analysis of proteins showed that gel bands were preserved over the season with an invariant region; a result in agreement with the hypothesis that proteins are stable identity signals. However, the relative intensity of bands varied markedly, synchronously with that of lipid secretion pattern. These variations of protein secretion suggest additional roles of proteins, an issue that requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mangiacotti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 24, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
- Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano, Corso Venezia 55, Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Pezzi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 24, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Fumagalli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "L. Spallanzani", Unit of Biochemistry, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alan Jioele Coladonato
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 24, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Patrizia d'Ettorre
- LEEC Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Chloé Leroy
- LEEC Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Xavier Bonnet
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS UMR 7372 - Université de La Rochelle, 405 Route de La Canauderie, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Marco A L Zuffi
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università di Pisa, Via Roma 79, I-56011, Calci, PI, Italy
| | - Stefano Scali
- Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano, Corso Venezia 55, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Sacchi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 24, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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11
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Rodríguez-Ruiz G, López P, Martín J. Possible reproductive benefits to female Carpetan rock lizards of pre-sensory bias towards chemical signals. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Female Carpetan rock lizards (Iberolacerta cyreni) might assess the quality of males from their chemical signals. Females select areas scent marked by males with secretions containing high proportions of provitamin D to ensure mating with high-quality males. However, an alternative explanation might be that females are not choosing a mate, but that females have a pre-sensory bias for chemical cues of vitamin D in the food and are, in fact, assessing habitat quality to obtain direct benefits of increasing the intake of vitamin D. We evaluated experimentally the possible benefits of a nutritional supplement of provitamin D or vitamin D in pregnant females for their clutches and offspring. However, we did not find large differences between treatments, except in the lower body condition of juveniles of mothers supplemented with provitamin D. We also tested the chemosensory interest of females in the scent of males to study the existence of a sensory bias; this response decreased when the amount of dietary vitamin D exceeded their needs. The results suggest that there are no reproductive benefits in the intake of additional vitamin D and that the potential sensory bias to scents of males could be related to the physiological needs of the females.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pilar López
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Martín
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal, Madrid, Spain
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12
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García-Roa R, Megía-Palma R, Ortega J, Jara M, López P, Martín J. Interpopulational and seasonal variation in the chemical signals of the lizard Gallotia galloti. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3992. [PMID: 29230352 PMCID: PMC5721911 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Communicative traits are strikingly diverse and may vary among populations of the same species. Within a population, these traits may also display seasonal variation. Chemical signals play a key role in the communication of many taxa. However, we still know far too little about chemical communication in some vertebrate groups. In lizards, only a few studies have examined interpopulational variation in the composition of chemical cues and signals and only one study has explored the seasonal effects. Here we sampled three subspecies of the Tenerife lizards (Gallotia galloti) and analyze the lipophilic fraction of their femoral gland secretions to characterize the potential interpopulational variation in the chemical signals. In addition, we assessed whether composition of these secretions differed between the reproductive and the non-reproductive season. We analyzed variations in both the overall chemical profile and the abundance of the two main compounds (cholesterol and vitamin E). Our results show interpopulational and seasonal differences in G. gallotia chemical profiles. These findings are in accordance with the high interpopulational variability of compounds observed in lizard chemical signals and show that their composition is not only shaped by selective factors linked to reproductive season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto García-Roa
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Megía-Palma
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ortega
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Jara
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology of Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Pilar López
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Martín
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Baeckens S, Martín J, García‐Roa R, Pafilis P, Huyghe K, Van Damme R. Environmental conditions shape the chemical signal design of lizards. Funct Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Baeckens
- Laboratory of Functional MorphologyDepartment of BiologyUniversity of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary BiologyHarvard University Cambridge MA USA
| | - José Martín
- Department of Evolutionary EcologyMuseo Nacional de Ciencias NaturalesCSIC Madrid Spain
| | - Roberto García‐Roa
- Department of Evolutionary EcologyMuseo Nacional de Ciencias NaturalesCSIC Madrid Spain
| | - Panayiotis Pafilis
- Department of Zoology and Marine BiologySchool of BiologyNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens Ilissia Greece
| | - Katleen Huyghe
- Laboratory of Functional MorphologyDepartment of BiologyUniversity of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Raoul Van Damme
- Laboratory of Functional MorphologyDepartment of BiologyUniversity of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
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14
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Goldberg JK, Wallace AK, Weiss SL. Skin lipids of the striped plateau lizard (Sceloporus virgatus) correlate with female receptivity and reproductive quality alongside visual ornaments. Naturwissenschaften 2017; 104:81. [PMID: 28913635 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-017-1503-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Sex pheromones can perform a variety of functions ranging from revealing the location of suitable mates to being honest signals of mate quality, and they are used in the mate selection process by many species of reptile. In this study, we determined whether the skin lipids of female striped plateau lizards (Sceloporus virgatus) can predict the reproductive quality of females, thereby having the potential to serve as pheromones. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, we identified 17 compounds present in skin lipids of female lizards. Using principal component analysis to compare the skin lipid profile of receptive and non-receptive females, we determined that an uncharacterized compound may allow for chemical identification of receptive mates. We also compared extracted principal components to measures of female fitness and reproductive qualities and found that the level of two 18 carbon fatty acids present in a female's skin lipids may indicate her clutch size. Finally, we compared the information content of the skin lipids to that of female-specific color ornaments to assess whether chemical and visual cues transmit different information or not. We found that the chroma of a female's orange throat patch is also related to her clutch size, suggesting that chemical signals may reinforce the information communicated by visual ornamentation in this species which would support the "backup signals" hypothesis for multiple signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay K Goldberg
- Department of Biology, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner Street, Tacoma, WA, 98416, USA.,Department of Biology, Indiana University, 107 S. Indiana Avenue, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Alisa K Wallace
- Department of Biology, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner Street, Tacoma, WA, 98416, USA
| | - Stacey L Weiss
- Department of Biology, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner Street, Tacoma, WA, 98416, USA.
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15
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Ibáñez A, Menke M, Quezada G, Jiménez-Uzcátegui G, Schulz S, Steinfartz S. Diversity of compounds in femoral secretions of Galápagos iguanas (genera: Amblyrhynchus and Conolophus), and their potential role in sexual communication in lek-mating marine iguanas ( Amblyrhynchus cristatus). PeerJ 2017; 5:e3689. [PMID: 28828277 PMCID: PMC5563446 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemical signals are widely used in the animal kingdom, enabling communication in various social contexts, including mate selection and the establishment of dominance. Femoral glands, which produce and release waxy secretions into the environment, are organs of central importance in lizard chemical communication. The Galápagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is a squamate reptile with a lek-mating system. Although the lekking behaviour of marine iguanas has been well-studied, their potential for sexual communication via chemical cues has not yet been investigated. Here we describe the diversity of the lipophilic fraction of males’ femoral gland secretions among 11 island populations of marine iguanas, and compare it with the composition of its sister species, the Galápagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus). We also conducted behavioural observations in marine iguana territorial males in order to explore the possible function of these substances in the context of male dominance in leks. Methods Femoral secretions were analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and chromatography with a flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) in order to characterise the lipophilic composition. To understand the potential role of femoral secretions in marine iguana intraspecific communication, territorial males were sampled for their femoral glands and monitored to record their head bob rate—a territorial display behaviour in males—as well as the number of females present in their leks. Results We found that the gland secretions were composed of ten saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids ranging in chain length between C16 and C24, as well as three sterols. Cholesterol was the main compound found. Intriguingly, land iguanas have a higher diversity of lipophilic compounds, with structural group of lipids (i.e. aldehydes) entirely absent in marine iguanas; overall the chemical signals of both species were strongly differentiated. Lipid profiles also differed among populations of marine iguanas from different islands, with some islands demonstrating a high diversity of lipophilic compounds (i.e. full spectra of compounds), and others lacking one or more compounds. Among the compounds most frequently found missing were 11- and 13-eicosenoic acids. Gland secretions of males with a better body condition and with a higher dominance status (i.e. those accompanied by females and with higher head bob display) were proportionately richer in C20-unsaturated fatty acids (11-eicosenoic acid). Discussion Land and marine iguanas strongly diverged in their chemical composition of the femoral glands likely due to ecological differences between both species. Despite that marine iguana populations varied in their femoral gland composition that was not related to their genetic structure. Our results indicated that 11-eicosenoic acid may play an important role in intraspecific chemical communication in marine iguanas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Ibáñez
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Markus Menke
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Galo Quezada
- Dirección Parque Nacional Galápagos, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | | | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Steinfartz
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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16
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Campos SM, Strauss C, Martins EP. In Space and Time: Territorial Animals are Attracted to Conspecific Chemical Cues. Ethology 2017; 123:136-144. [PMID: 28413237 PMCID: PMC5390687 DOI: 10.1111/eth.12582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Territorial animals lay scent marks around their territories to broadcast their presence, but these olfactory signals can both attract and repel con-specifics. Attraction or aversion can have a profound impact in terms of space use and thereby influence an individual's access to resources and mates. Here, we test the impact of chemical signals on the long-term space use and activity of receivers, comparing the response of males and females, territory holders, and temporary visitors in Sceloporus undulatus lizards in the field. We placed either male femoral gland secretions (chemical) or blank (control) cues on resident male landmarks, repeatedly over 5 d, while monitoring the activity and location of all lizards in the vicinity. We found that resident males and females, but not non-resident males, were active on more days near landmarks treated with chemical cues than landmarks treated with control cues. Non-resident males remained closer to chemical than control cues. These results suggest that territorial scent marks are attractive to conspecifics and impact space use, but that the specific effects depend on receiver sex and residency status. Such subtle or gradual changes in behavior may frequently be overlooked by short-term choice experiments. Future studies investigating the behavioral significance of a communicative signal should consider these finer details of behavior for a more comprehensive assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Campos
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Chloe Strauss
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Emília P Martins
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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17
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Baeckens S, Huyghe K, Palme R, Van Damme R. Chemical communication in the lacertid lizardPodarcis muralis: the functional significance of testosterone. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Baeckens
- Laboratory of Functional Morphology; Department of Biology; University of Antwerp; Universiteitsplein 1; 2610 Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Katleen Huyghe
- Laboratory of Functional Morphology; Department of Biology; University of Antwerp; Universiteitsplein 1; 2610 Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology; Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Veterinary Medicine; Veterinärplatz 1 2610 Vienna Austria
| | - Raoul Van Damme
- Laboratory of Functional Morphology; Department of Biology; University of Antwerp; Universiteitsplein 1; 2610 Wilrijk Belgium
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18
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Fenner AL, Majoros PN, Bull CM. Scatting behaviour of the sleepy lizard, Tiliqua rugosa. T ROY SOC SOUTH AUST 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/03721426.2015.1074341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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19
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Interpopulational Variations in Sexual Chemical Signals of Iberian Wall Lizards May Allow Maximizing Signal Efficiency under Different Climatic Conditions. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131492. [PMID: 26121693 PMCID: PMC4488078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual signals used in intraspecific communication are expected to evolve to maximize efficacy under a given climatic condition. Thus, chemical secretions of lizards might evolve in the evolutionary time to ensure that signals are perfectly tuned to local humidity and temperature conditions affecting their volatility and therefore their persistence and transmission through the environment. We tested experimentally whether interpopulational altitudinal differences in chemical composition of femoral gland secretions of male Iberian wall lizards (Podarcis hispanicus) have evolved to maximize efficacy of chemical signals in different environmental conditions. Chemical analyses first showed that the characteristics of chemical signals of male lizards differed between two populations inhabiting environments with different climatic conditions in spite of the fact that these two populations are closely related genetically. We also examined experimentally whether the temporal attenuation of the chemical stimuli depended on simulated climatic conditions. Thus, we used tongue-flick essays to test whether female lizards were able to detect male scent marks maintained under different conditions of temperature and humidity by chemosensory cues alone. Chemosensory tests showed that chemical signals of males had a lower efficacy (i.e. detectability and persistence) when temperature and dryness increase, but that these effects were more detrimental for signals of the highest elevation population, which occupies naturally colder and more humid environments. We suggest that the abiotic environment may cause a selective pressure on the form and expression of sexual chemical signals. Therefore, interpopulational differences in chemical profiles of femoral secretions of male P. hispanicus lizards may reflect adaptation to maximize the efficacy of the chemical signal in different climates.
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20
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Martín J, López P. Condition-dependent chemosignals in reproductive behavior of lizards. Horm Behav 2015; 68:14-24. [PMID: 24952102 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Chemosignals and Reproduction". Many lizards have diverse glands that produce chemosignals used in intraspecific communication and that can have reproductive consequences. For example, information in chemosignals of male lizards can be used in intrasexual competition to identify and assess the fighting potential or dominance status of rival males either indirectly through territorial scent-marks or during agonistic encounters. Moreover, females of several lizard species "prefer" to establish or spend more time on areas scent-marked by males with compounds signaling a better health or body condition or a higher genetic compatibility, which can have consequences for their mating success and inter-sexual selection processes. We review here recent studies that suggest that the information content of chemosignals of lizards may be reliable because several physiological and endocrine processes would regulate the proportions of chemical compounds available for gland secretions. Because chemosignals are produced by the organism or come from the diet, they should reflect physiological changes, such as different hormonal levels (e.g. testosterone or corticosterone) or different health states (e.g. parasitic infections, immune response), and reflect the quality of the diet of an individual. More importantly, some compounds that may function as chemosignals also have other important functions in the organism (e.g. as antioxidants or regulating the immune system), so there could be trade-offs between allocating these compounds to attending physiological needs or to produce costly sexual "chemical ornaments". All these factors may contribute to maintain chemosignals as condition-dependent sexual signals, which can inform conspecifics on the characteristics and state of the sender and allow making behavioral decisions with reproductive consequences. To understand the evolution of chemical secretions of lizards as sexual signals and their relevance in reproduction, future studies should examine what information the signals are carrying, the physiological processes that can maintain the reliability of the message and how diverse behavioral responses to chemosignals may influence reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Martín
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Pilar López
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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21
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Mayerl C, Baeckens S, Van Damme R. Evolution and role of the follicular epidermal gland system in non-ophidian squamates. AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2015. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-00002995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Many lizard and amphisbaenian lineages possess follicular glands in the dermis of the inner thighs and/or the area anterior to the cloaca. These tubular glands produce a holocrine secretion that finds its way to the external world through pore-bearing scales (femoral and/or preanal pores). Secretions are composed of proteins and many lipophilic compounds that may function as chemosignals in lizard and amphisbaenian communication. In recent years, we have begun to develop an understanding of the adaptive significance of these secretions, and they are currently thought to play an important role in a variety of processes in these animals. While it appears that epidermal gland secretions function in intra- and interspecific recognition and territoriality, research has focused largely on their role in mate assessment. Despite these recent studies, our knowledge on the true role of the chemicals found in epidermal secretions remains poorly studied, and there are many possible avenues for future research on this topic. Here, we review the literature on the follicular epidermal glands of non-ophidian squamates and provide a first taxon-wide overview of their distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Mayerl
- Clemson University, 132 Long Hall, Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson SC, 29634, USA
| | - Simon Baeckens
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Functional Morphology, Universiteitsplein 1 – C, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Raoul Van Damme
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Functional Morphology, Universiteitsplein 1 – C, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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22
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Baeckens S, Edwards S, Huyghe K, Van Damme R. Chemical signalling in lizards: an interspecific comparison of femoral pore numbers in Lacertidae. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Baeckens
- Department of Biology; Laboratory of Functional Morphology; University of Antwerp; Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Shelley Edwards
- Centre for Invasion Biology; Stellenbosch University; Private Bag X1 Matieland 7602 South Africa
- Applied Biodiversity Research Division; South African National Biodiversity Institute; Private Bag X7 Claremont 7735 Cape Town South Africa
| | - Katleen Huyghe
- Department of Biology; Laboratory of Functional Morphology; University of Antwerp; Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Raoul Van Damme
- Department of Biology; Laboratory of Functional Morphology; University of Antwerp; Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk Belgium
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23
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Martín J, López P. Effects of global warming on sensory ecology of rock lizards: increased temperatures alter the efficacy of sexual chemical signals. Funct Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- José Martín
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales; CSIC; José Gutiérrez Abascal 2 28006 Madrid Spain
| | - Pilar López
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales; CSIC; José Gutiérrez Abascal 2 28006 Madrid Spain
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24
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Ossip-Klein AG, Fuentes JA, Hews DK, Martins EP. Information content is more important than sensory system or physical distance in guiding the long-term evolutionary relationships between signaling modalities in Sceloporus lizards. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-013-1535-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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25
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Martín J, López P. Responses of female rock lizards to multiple scent marks of males: Effects of male age, male density and scent over-marking. Behav Processes 2013; 94:109-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Revised: 01/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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26
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Effect of Signaler Body Size on the Response of Male Striped Plateau Lizards (Sceloporus virgatus) to Conspecific Chemical Cues. J HERPETOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1670/10-166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Supplementation of male pheromone on rock substrates attracts female rock lizards to the territories of males: a field experiment. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30108. [PMID: 22253895 PMCID: PMC3258258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many animals produce elaborated sexual signals to attract mates, among them are common chemical sexual signals (pheromones) with an attracting function. Lizards produce chemical secretions for scent marking that may have a role in sexual selection. In the laboratory, female rock lizards (Iberolacerta cyreni) prefer the scent of males with more ergosterol in their femoral secretions. However, it is not known whether the scent-marks of male rock lizards may actually attract females to male territories in the field. Methodology/Principal Findings In the field, we added ergosterol to rocks inside the territories of male lizards, and found that this manipulation resulted in increased relative densities of females in these territories. Furthermore, a higher number of females were observed associated to males in manipulated plots, which probably increased mating opportunities for males in these areas. Conclusions/Significance These and previous laboratory results suggest that female rock lizards may select to settle in home ranges based on the characteristics of scent-marks from conspecific males. Therefore, male rock lizards might attract more females and obtain more matings by increasing the proportion of ergosterol when scent-marking their territories. However, previous studies suggest that the allocation of ergosterol to secretions may be costly and only high quality males could afford it, thus, allowing the evolution of scent-marks as an honest sexual display.
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28
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López P, Martín J. Male Iberian rock lizards may reduce the costs of fighting by scent matching of the resource holders. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-011-1198-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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30
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Condition-Dependent Pheromone Signaling by Male Rock Lizards: More Oily Scents Are More Attractive. Chem Senses 2010; 35:253-62. [DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjq009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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31
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Fenner AL, Bull CM. The use of scats as social signals in a solitary, endangered scincid lizard, Tiliqua adelaidensis. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2010. [DOI: 10.1071/wr10122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context The deliberate accumulation of faeces or scats in one location is a common behaviour used for social signalling. The endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard, Tiliqua adelaidensis, is a solitary-living species that appears to use scats as social signals. Previous studies have found that these lizards approach burrows more cautiously if there is a conspecific scat present and behave differently to scats from male and female conspecifics, indicating that these lizards can recognise scat-based conspecific cues. For endangered species, understanding how an animal uses and responds to chemical cues has the potential to become a powerful tool in conservation management. Aims To investigate whether these solitary lizards might be using scats as social signals by testing whether scats were being deposited in a non-random pattern designed to maximise their exposure to the nearest neighbour conspecifics. Method In the present study, we investigated the spatial pattern of scatting behaviour by pygmy bluetongue lizards in the field. Results Scats were consistently deposited in one direction that was significantly aligned with the nearest occupied burrow of a neighbouring lizard. The same deposition sites were used when previous scats were either destroyed by rain, or experimentally moved to a different location. Male lizards deposited scats significantly closer to their own burrows when neighbours were closer. Key conclusions The results were consistent with the lizards using scats to advertise their presence and status. The scat-deposition patterns observed in the present study suggest that scats are used as an olfactory signal associated with social organisation of pygmy bluetongue lizards. Implications Current plans for the conservation management of this endangered species include translocations. By understanding how these lizards respond to, and use chemical cues, we may be able to use this knowledge to aid in translocation programs, e.g. by pre-establishing territories for individuals before they are introduced into the population.
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Beyond ‘nasty neighbours’ and ‘dear enemies’? Individual recognition by scent marks in a lizard (Podarcis hispanica). Anim Behav 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2008.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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33
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Thompson JT, Bissell AN, Martins EP. Inhibitory interactions between multimodal behavioural responses may influence the evolution of complex signals. Anim Behav 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2007.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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34
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Kelso EC, Martins EP. Effects of two courtship display components on female reproductive behaviour and physiology in the sagebrush lizard. Anim Behav 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2007.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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35
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Chemosensory assessment of rival competitive ability and scent-mark function in a lizard, Podarcis hispanica. Anim Behav 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2007.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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