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A Complex, Cross-Taxon, Chemical Releaser Of Antipredator Behavior In Amphibians, Dale M. Madison, Aaron M. Sullivan, John C. Maerz, James H. Mcdarby, Jason R. Rohr

Faculty Publications - Department of Biological & Molecular Science

Prey species show diverse antipredator responses to chemical cues signaling predation threat. Among terrestrial vertebrates, the red-backed salamander, Plethodon cinereus, is an important species in the study of these chemical defenses. During the day and early evening, this species avoids rinses from garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis, independent of snake diet, but late at night, avoids only those rinses from garter snakes that have recently eaten P. cinereus. We tested whether the selective, late-night response requires the ingestion or injury of salamanders. In three experiments, we tested P. cinereus for their responses to separate or combined rinses from salamanders (undisturbed, distressed, …