Chemical ornaments of male lizards Psammodromus algirus may reveal their parasite load and health state to females

摘要: Evidence for parasite-mediated sexual selection has been found in many species that use visual ornaments to attract females. However, animals, variation female responses scents of parasitized males suggests parasitic infections might also affect information conveyed by pheromones (i.e., chemical ornaments). Thus, function selection. We show here lizards Psammodromus algirus responded differently femoral gland secretions according the parasite load and health these males. Scents healthier elicited more tongue flicks (a chemosensory behavior) females, suggesting were attractive. Chemical analyses showed T-cell-mediated immune response related variability proportions some lipids Further trials testing females standards indicated actually discriminated chemicals males’ from other secretions. suggest may provide reliable on degree infection a male.