Meeting Abstract

73.5  Wednesday, Jan. 6  Prenuptial perfume paralyzes ectoparasites – odorant linked to quality in male crested auklets DOUGLAS, Hector/D; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Kuskokwim hddouglas@yahoo.com

Experimental evidence has shown that the citrus-like aldehyde odorant of the crested auklet (Aethia cristatella) has a paralytic effect upon auklet lice. Lice briefly suspended over incisions in interscapular integument of crested auklets were immobilized for more than two days while those exposed to incisions in the flank were not paralyzed. Novel structures called wick feathers emit aldehydes into plumage. These are concentrated in the interscapular integument, but have not been found elsewhere in crested auklet integument. Auklet louse mobility and survival were also observed in experiments with synthetic analogues of the crested auklet odorant. Impairment was noted at very low exposures and progressively more acute responses were observed with incremental increases in dosage. Male crested auklets differ in their odorant emissions. Males with larger crest ornaments emit more octanal (r= 0.37, p=0.04, n=31). Furthermore, males with a more robust adrenocortical response to acute stress are able to emit more octanal, the most abundant odorant constituent. Alloanointing with the aldehyde odorant is part of courtship and social behavior in crested auklets. Stronger smelling males may be more sexually attractive and more dominant.