Sex and age-specific differences in ultraviolet reflectance of scent marksof bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus)

Scent markings of voles are visible via their ultraviolet reflection. Kestr els, and possibly other diurnal raptors, may use this property when hunting . We performed a laboratory study on bank voles to determine whether UV-ref lectance of scent marks differs in relation to sex, age and social status. When reflectance spectra of scent marks were measured with a spectroradiome ter, we found UV reflectance to be strongest in mature males. There were no differences between mature females and immature juveniles, nor between sex es in juveniles or mature and immature individuals in females. Moreover, we did not find any difference in UV reflectance between dominant and subordi nate mature males. The results of this study support earlier findings that UV sensitive predators may use UV reflectance of scent marks as a prey cue. Consequently, studies on differing vulnerability of voles to avian predato rs should take into account not only their space use and behaviour but also the UV reflectance of their scent marks.