THE ABDOMINAL GLAND OF THE CRESTED NEWT: A POSSIBLE SOURCE OF COURTSHIP PHEROMONES. PRELIMINARY ETHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL DATA

摘要: SUMMARY The abdominal gland as a possible source of sexual pheromones in the male crested newt (Triturus cristatus carnifex Laur.; Amphibia Caudata) has been investigated biochemically and ethologically. Preliminary data on testosterone metabolization show that liposoluble 5α-reduced androgens increase non-reproductive period compared with those detected winter (reproductive phase). It is suggested this reproduction free metabolites accompanies an conjugated ones; latter could act aquatic medium. On other hand, receptivity nostril plugged females courted by glandectomized males decrease markedly control animals.