Meeting Abstract

P2.16  Wednesday, Jan. 5  Evidence for a Prevailing Role of Methyl Ketones in Mediating Reproduction in Garter Snakes of the Genus Thamnophis UHRIG, E.J.*; HERMANSON, R.; LEMASTER, M.P.; MASON, R.T.; Oregon State University, Corvallis; Western Oregon University, Monmouth; Western Oregon University, Monmouth; Oregon State University, Corvallis uhrige@science.oregonstate.edu

One of the most extensively studied vertebrate pheromone systems is that of the red-sided garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. Females of this species produce a sexual attractiveness pheromone composed of a homologous series of saturated and monounsaturated methyl ketones. This pheromone, contained within the skin lipids of females, elicits male reproductive behaviors during the breeding season. Similar methyl ketone profiles have been observed in other garter snake species; however, the reproductive role of methyl ketones in those species is unknown. Utilizing trailing experiments, the current study is designed to investigate whether methyl ketones contained within the skin lipids of female red-spotted garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus) are responsible for mediating reproductive behaviors in conspecific males. When placed in a Y-maze, male red-spotted garter snakes were able to detect and follow trails laid down by live females as well as trails composed of isolated methyl ketones fractionated from female skin lipids. In addition, no male trailing behavior was exhibited in response to trails laid down by males or solvent control trails. These results coincide with what is known of the red-sided garter snake system suggesting that methyl ketones have a global role in mediating garter snake reproduction.