Chemical characterisation of potential pheromones from the shoulder gland of the Northern yellow-shouldered-bat, Sturnira parvidens (Phyllostomidae: Stenodermatinae)

摘要: Bats of the genus Sturnira (Family Phyllostomidae) are characterised by shoulder glands that more developed in reproductively mature adult males. The produce a waxy secretion accumulates on fur around gland, dyeing dark colour and giving off pungent odour. These thought to play role their reproductive behaviour. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, we analysed solvent extracts surrounding gland northern-shouldered bat, parvidens (i) characterise chemical composition secretions for first time, (ii) look differences among between males, sub-adult/juvenile males females. Fur were as liquids also further extracted using headspace solid-phase microextraction identify volatile components odour itself. Odour fingerprint analysis non-metric multidimensional scaling plots multivariate revealed clear significant (P < 0.001) vs both juvenile included terpenes phenolics, together with alcohols esters, most likely derived from frugivorous diet bat. Many compounds identified found exclusively or elevated quantities (reproductive) compared females non-reproductive (juvenile) This strongly suggests specific male–female attraction although function male–male competition and/or species recognition is possible.