I observed the agonistic and display behavior of the wandering salamander (Aneides vagrans: Plethodontidae) from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, in 90 staged encounters of 42 individuals of both sexes. Behavioral patterns were similar to those of other plethodontids, and some patterns, such as snout raise, snout-pressing, holding-down, and circle pattern, appear to be unique to the genus. Presumed marking behavior, including chin-rubbing and vent-rubbing, were also seen. Aggressive behaviors recorded for other species of Aneides, including grip, snapping, and bite-hold, were not observed in A. vagrans. The frequency of aggressive behavior was low compared to other plethodontid species in laboratory trials. Agonistic behavior occurred in only 27.7% of encounters; biting occurred in only 2.2%.
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1 September 2002
AN ETHOGRAM OF INTRASPECIFIC AGONISTIC AND DISPLAY BEHAVIOR FOR THE WANDERING SALAMANDER, ANEIDES VAGRANS
Theodore M. Davis
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Herpetologica
Vol. 58 • No. 3
September 2002
Vol. 58 • No. 3
September 2002
agonistic behavior
Aneides ferreus
Aneides vagrans
intraspecific interactions
Plethodontidae