Meeting Abstract
Male Aneides aeneus arrive at home crevices and establish territories through chemical deposits and often aggression with other males. Females usually follow soon after. Thus, male-female pairs are formed in single rock crevices or in adjacent crevices for periods of days or weeks mainly in May and October. Pair bonding occurs that likely involves chemical and tactile communication. Males and females may gain familiarity with each other. Male-female pairs are often in direct contact as males may have a limb or other body part resting on the back or tail of females. Also, heads of male and female may be oriented to opposite ends of crevice openings with posterior ends in contact. This may be a defensive response to predators. Pairing increases chances of courtship and mating, and allows for mate guarding thus reducing chances for polyandry and polygyny. Some aggression by males may occur such as biting and snout-pressing, which is similar to behaviors observed during courtship and mating. Males that have established and defended territories are likely more fit. Thus, mate-guarding behavior may be selected for in that females may choose more fit males. Aggressive defense of territories by males combined with the formation of male-female pairs and pair bonding indicates that mate guarding occurs in A. aeneus. This may enhance reproductive success of both males and females.
