Skin-derived semiochemicals of the lacertid lizard Acanthodactylus boskianus

摘要: Skin lipids impede transcutaneous water loss in several species of squamate reptiles and act as a barrier to harmful microorganisms; they play an additional role chemical cues involved communication eliciting behavioral responses intra- interspecific interactions. While studies till now give little detailed information on the nature skin slough, femoral gland secretions lacertid lizard Acanthodactylus boskianus have been analyzed profile is known for species. In present study we use GC-MS analysis slough focus composition xeric-adapted A. compare this its secretions. shed detected steroids, alcohols, carboxylic acids, alkanes, aldehydes, acid esters, squalene, monoglycerides fatty glycerol monoethers long chain 1,3 alkanediol, which are same groups already found However, relative percentages these compounds differ from those characterizing qualitatively similar secretions, could represent adaptation hot dry habitats . With regard characteristic profiles different sexes, there not enough evidence support their possible chemosignals, experiments should be performed test shedding intraspecific communication.