Male attractiveness is influenced by UV wavelengths in a newt species but not in its close relative.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Functional communication in the UV range has been reported in Invertebrates and all major groups of Vertebrates but Amphibians. Although perception in this wavelength range has been shown in a few species, UV signalling has not been demonstrated in this group. One reason may be that in lentic freshwater habitats, litter decomposition generates dissolved organic carbon that absorbs UV radiation and thus hinders its use for visual signalling. We tested the effect of male UV characteristics on female sexual preference in two newt species that experience contrasting levels of UV water transmission when breeding.

Methodology/principal findings

We analysed water spectral characteristics of a sample of breeding ponds in both species. We quantified male ventral coloration

SUBMITTER: Secondi J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3260282 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature