Chemical signals in European newt courtship

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Abstract
In European newt species there is good behavioural and anatomical evidence for the existence of chemical communication. Female odours can carry information to the male and influence the outcome of sexual encounters. There is good evidence that the abdominal gland, a male secondary sexual character, is the source of substances which act as ≪courtship pheromones≫. Preliminary studies suggest that these pheromones are a mucoproteic component of the gland secretion.