Chemical recognition of unfamiliar conspecifics by green iguanas: functional significance of different signal components

Alberts, Allison C.; Werner, Dagmar I.

doi:10.1006/anbe.1993.1177

Cited by 69 publications

(47 citation statements)

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“…Familiar discrimination has been demonstrated in other lizard species. Male green iguanas, Iguana iguana , are capable of distinguishing the femoral gland secretions of unfamiliar males from controls, their own secretions, and those of familiar males (Alberts & Werner 1993). Recent work shows that both sexes of broad‐headed skinks ( Eumeces laticeps ) can discriminate between chemical stimuli of familiar and unfamiliar individuals of the opposite sex and that males can distinguish their own cloacal chemicals from those of unfamiliar males (Cooper 1996).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, only a few studies of reptiles have suggested discrimination between own and other individuals odours (Graves & Halpern 1991; Alberts 1992; Cooper 1996; López et al. 1997), or discrimination between familiar and unfamiliar individuals (Glinski & Krekorian 1985; Alberts & Werner 1993; Cooper 1996; Steele & Cooper 1997; Bull et al. 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Size‐Dependent Chemosensory Responses to Familiar and Unfamiliar Conspecific Faecal Pellets by the Iberian Rock‐Lizard, Lacerta monticola

2000

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We conducted a field study to analyse the social relationships between males of the Iberian rock lizard (Lacerta monticola). The degree of familiarity was determined based on the degree of overlap between their home ranges. We then designed a laboratory experiment to test whether the same males were able to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics using faecal pellet odours. Differential tongue‐flick rates suggest that large males (snout‐to‐vent length, SVL > 75 mm), at least, may discriminate between odours of familiar and unfamiliar males. The behavioural responses were dependent on relative differences in body size between the responding male and the male that donated the faecal pellet. Thus, as responding small males increased in size relative to their corresponding familiar male, their rate of tongue‐flicking significantly decreased; this was not the case in response to unfamiliar males. In contrast, there were no significant correlations between the response of large males to familiar or unfamiliar male stimuli, regardless of size differences. These results suggest that chemical cues contained in faecal pellets allow individual recognition in male L. monticola, and that the response depends on body size. We suggest that faecal pellets might be used to scent‐mark home ranges, which would contribute to lowering the costs of aggressive interactions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Size‐Dependent Chemosensory Responses to Familiar and Unfamiliar Conspecific Faecal Pellets by the Iberian Rock‐Lizard, Lacerta monticola

2000

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“…iguana (Alberts & Werner 1993) and Eumeces laticeps (Cooper 1996). Chemical stimuli from unfamiliar males might arouse stronger aggressive tendencies than those from familiar neighbours (i.e, chemical dear enemy recognition).…”

Section: Discrimination Of Conspecific Faecal Pelletsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Iberian Rock Lizards (Lacerta monticola cyreni) Assess Conspecific Information Using Composite Signals from Faecal Pellets

1998

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J. 1998: Iberian rock lizards (Laccrta monticnlu cyeni) assess conspecific information using composite signals from faecal pellets. Ethology 104, 809-820. AbstractA field and laboratory study was performed to analyse the role of excrement deposited on the substrate in intraspecific communication of the lberian rock-lizard (Lacerfa nwzticola cyeni). In the field, lizards selected specific sites on rocks to deposit faecal pellets, probably in order to facilitate visual location of pellets by conspecifics. Differential tongue flick rates to chemicals presented on cotton swabs demonstrated that male lizards can detect and discriminate between self-produced scents from faecal pellets and those of other conspecific males. In a subsequent experiment, male lizards were tested in a chamber with two platforms containing a faecal pellet of other male on one side and a control artificial pellet on the opposite side. Males spent significantly less time 011 the side containing the faecal pellet, suggesting that the decision of where to stay may depend on the presence of faecal pellets. Smaller males moved less than larger males on the experimental side whereas on the control side body size did not influence the proportion of time moving. The ability to discriminate chemicals from Faeces, and the effects of faecal pellets on lizard behaviour, suggests that faeces might act as composite signals (visual and chemical) in the intraspecific communication of this lizard.

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“…71 Detailed information on the identity of the signaler may be derived from these nonvolatile exudates when conspecifics investigate them by tongue flicking.…”

Section: -70mentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural products from the integument of nonavian reptiles

2008

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Chemical recognition of unfamiliar conspecifics by green iguanas: functional significance of different signal components

Cited by 69 publications

References 0 publications

Size‐Dependent Chemosensory Responses to Familiar and Unfamiliar Conspecific Faecal Pellets by the Iberian Rock‐Lizard, Lacerta monticola

Size‐Dependent Chemosensory Responses to Familiar and Unfamiliar Conspecific Faecal Pellets by the Iberian Rock‐Lizard, Lacerta monticola

Iberian Rock Lizards (Lacerta monticola cyreni) Assess Conspecific Information Using Composite Signals from Faecal Pellets

Natural products from the integument of nonavian reptiles

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