How to translate text using browser tools
1 September 2007 Response of Common Musk Turtles (Sternotherus Odoratus) to Intraspecific Chemical Cues
C. H. Lewis, S. F. Molloy, R. M. Chambers, J. Davenport
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Chemical cues can assist intraspecific communication associated with sexual behavior, territoriality, and home-site philopatry. We tested experimentally the influence of chemical cues on the behavior of male Common Musk Turtles (Sternotherus odoratus). In laboratory-controlled choice boxes, we video recorded the location of turtles moving between two water tanks separated by a raised divider. Water was scented by no turtles, the test turtle, another male, or a female. Based on two-hour trials, we considered turtles that spent > 55% of the time in one water tank as having demonstrated a scent preference. From at least 10 replicates of each of six different treatment combinations, males significantly chose tanks with the scent of a female versus tanks with clean water, the scent of self, or the scent of another male. We propose that the smell produced by a female turtle includes an intraspecific chemical cue that helps males search for potential mates.

C. H. Lewis, S. F. Molloy, R. M. Chambers, and J. Davenport "Response of Common Musk Turtles (Sternotherus Odoratus) to Intraspecific Chemical Cues," Journal of Herpetology 41(3), 349-353, (1 September 2007). https://doi.org/10.1670/0022-1511(2007)41[349:ROCMTS]2.0.CO;2
Accepted: 1 February 2007; Published: 1 September 2007
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top