A test of scent-trailing as a contributing factor in the climbing behaviour of the redback salamander (Plethodon cinereus)

作者：Cote Griffin; Getty Sarah; Vokoun Amanda; Carmichael Seth; Hunt Hallee; Letton Nate; McEntire Kira D; Wooten Jessica A^*; Camp Carlos D

来源：Amphibia-Reptilia, 2016, 37(1): 111-116.

DOI：10.1163/15685381-00003023

• chemical ecology
• climbing
• ecology
• salamander
• scent trailing

Terrestrial salamanders of the family Plethodontidae are common predators of invertebrates in deciduous forest communities of eastern North America. While normally residing and foraging in forest-floor microhabitats, many species facultatively climb vegetation. Different hypotheses have been proffered to explain this behaviour including optimal-foraging strategies and predator avoidance. Using laboratory-based trials, we tested the hypothesis that the terrestrial salamander Plethodon cinereus climbs in response to scent trails left by insect prey. We found that salamanders climbed significantly higher and spent significantly more time climbing on wooden dowel rods that had been treated with prey residue than they did on control rods. Scent trailing possibly interacts with other factors such as optimal-foraging opportunities and predation risk in influencing climbing behaviour in these salamanders.

• 出版日期2016