Biofluorescence in Arizona Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium nebulsoum) as an indicator of sexual readiness
Abstract
Biofluorescence, the emission of visible light by organisms following the absorption of shorter wavelengths of light, has been identified recently in various amphibians but remains poorly understood in salamanders. This study investigates the potential relationship between biofluorescence and sexual readiness in Ambystoma mavortium nebulsoum, the Arizona tiger salamander. Specifically, we analyzed maximum gray values of the tail, cloaca, and full body through creating regions of interest from fluorescence images of the underbelly of animals in relation to morph (paedomorph and metamorph), sex, and degree of cloacal swelling, which serves as an external indicator of sexual readiness. Fluorescence was quanitified using ImageJ from standardized photographs of 146 individuals. ANOVA tests revealed significant differences in tail brightness between morphs (p > 0.05), confirmed by Tukey’s HSD post hoc tests (adjusted p < 0.05). Although sex differences in tail brightness were initially detected, post hoc comparisons did not reveal significant pairwise differences. Cloacal brightness appeared to vary with swelling level (p < 0.05), but this was not confirmed by adjusted post hoc tests. Full body brightness level showed no significant variation across morphs, sexes, or level of cloacal swelling. These findings suggest a morph-specific difference in tail biofluorescence, with other potential sexual or reproductive signals warranting farther study. Future analyses will incorporate a larger dataset, individual level comparisons over time, and additional body regions to better understand the biological role of fluorescence in salamander courtship and communication.
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