[The chemical interaction of tadpoles of the frog Rana arvalis Nilss. with conspecific and heterospecific anuran tadpoles].

In double-choice experiments the tadpoles of Rana arvalis were offered chemical cues of con- and heterospecific tadpoles in different combinations. It was shown that they are capable of distinguishing these signals. The cues of Bufo bufo and Rana lessonae larvae induced a clear reaction of attraction, whereas those of Rana temporaria did not cause any visible behavioral response. Conspecific tadpoles were more attractive than clear water, irrespective of their relationship with the recipients, however, kin chemical signals were more preferable than those from non-relatives.