INTRASPECIFIC AND INTERSPECIFIC COMMUNICATION IN SALAMANDERS THROUGH CHEMICAL SIGNALS ON THE SUBSTRATE

Chemical markings on the substrate facilitate communication between conspecifics of the red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) and between individuals of the red-backed and Shenandoah salamander (Plethodon nettingi shenandoah). During two-choice laboratory tests, male and female P. cinereus showed a preference for their own substrates only when simultaneously exposed to the substrates of conspecific males. In interspecific tests, however, red-backed and Shenandoah salamanders avoided substrates of congeners in all but one case: female P. cinereus did not avoid substrates of male P. nettingi shenandoah. We suggest that body secretions and/or faecal material may act as signal markers during territorial defence. © 1979.