CUPP, JR. , P. V.: Chemical Detection of Predatory Salamanders by the Four-toed Salamander, Hemidactylium scutatum

Four-toed salamanders, <1>Hemidactylium scutatum were tested for the ability to detect odors of the northern red salamander, <1>Pseudotriton ruber, a species known to prey on salamanders. Individual <1>H. scutatum were placed in plastic containers (31 x 23 x 6 cm) containing two substrate choices. One substrate consisted of a moist paper towel exposed to <1>P. ruber for 48 hrs. The other substrate was a moist paper towel without <1>P. ruber odor. Salamanders were released at the center of the containers and their positions monitored for two hrs. <1>H. scutatum exhibited significant avoidance of <1>P. ruber (N=15) substrates. The results suggest that <1>H. scutatum can detect odors of predatory salamanders and thus may reduce their risk of predation by avoiding sites with these odors.