Identifying Areas of Chemical Signal Production in the Red-Backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus

Abstract

Red-backed salamanders, Plethodon cinereus, use chemical signals to maintain territories. This study isolated anatomical loci in which territorial markers (pheromones) may be produced by males. Males were tested in circular chambers using swabs rubbed over suspected pheromone-producing locations of other males. Swabs rubbed over serous glands located on the midventral surface of the tail base and on the shoulder elicited exploratory behavior from males, as did swabs rubbed over fecal pellets, fecal material from the colon, and secretory products from the collecting (urinary) ducts. Swabs rubbed over the chin and middorsal tail base (areas thought to contain glands involved in the production of courtship pheromones) did not elicit a significant response. These results suggest that males of Plethodon cinereus may have several secretory sources that produce chemical signals (pheromones) used in intraspecific communication.