Olfactory discrimination between two cryptic species of bats Pipistrellus pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus

0348465 - ÚBO 2011 RIV CZ eng J - Journal Article
Bartonička, T. - Kaňuch, Peter - Bímová, Barbora - Bryja, Josef
Olfactory discrimination between two cryptic species of bats Pipistrellus pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus.
Folia zoologica. Roč. 59, č. 3 (2010), s. 175-182. ISSN 0139-7893. E-ISSN 1573-1189
R&D Projects: GA ČR GA206/06/0954
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519
Keywords : olfactory signal * species-specific recognition * pipistrelles * Vespertilionidae * Chiroptera
Subject RIV: EG - Zoology
Impact factor: 0.548, year: 2010
http://www.ivb.cz/folia/59/3/1_ms_1551.pdf

Aside from acoustic signals, bats can use olfactory signals to search for mates. We compared the level of attractiveness of facial glands scents and urinary scents for discrimination in two cryptic bat species (Pipistrellus pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus). Sexual preferences using two olfactory signals were studied in a dual choice experiment in a glass Y-maze. Both sexes, without reference to the species, performed lower searching activity in tests with urinary scents than in the case of signals composed of scents of facial glands. Males of both species were able to discriminate and prefer the odour of conspecific females, with small proportion of disassortative choices. Females of both species did not have species-specific preferences. Absence of females’ odour preferences and small proportion of males’ disassortative choices can provide theoretical background for the existence of inter-species hybridization or point at more important role of acoustic signals in pre-mating behaviour.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0188996