The Recognition and Use of Chemical Signals by a Nesting Salamander

Abstract

The mountain dusky salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus Cope) is a small plethodontid (snout-vent length = 30–40 mm), indigenous to the Appalachian highlands of eastern North America. At low elevations, the species inhabits moist microhabitats associated with stream margins and seepages; at high elevations, the species exhibits pronounced terrestrialism, ranging far up wooded slopes (Hairston, 1949). Males and females reach sexual maturity at an age of three to five years (Tilley, 1977, 1980), and males court females during the fall and spring (Houck, 1982). Oviposition occurs annually (Forester, 1977) between mid-June and mid-July (Tilley, 1977; Forester, 1979a). Nesting sites are located beneath natural debris along stream margins and in seepages (Bishop, 1943). Following egg deposition, the female parent remains with the eggs until they hatch (46–69 days, Tilley, 1972; Forester, 1974). During this period, the female contributes to the survival of the eggs by: (1) reducing predation (as a result of aggressive nest defense; Forester, 1978, 1979a, 1983); (2) reducing pathogenic infestation (Forester, 1979a); (3) providing mechanical stimulation resulting in increased oxygenation and reduced yolk layering (Forester, 1979a); (4) reducing the rate of clutch desiccation (Forester, 1984).