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Abstract

These are moderate-sized (Adult TL = 4" -4.75" or more), stout-bodied salamanders. The dorsal color is black with conspicuous silver-gray (females) or white (males), irregularly shaped blotches or cross-bands on the head, body, and tail. The belly is black. There are 11 or 12 costal grooves. Larvae have bushy external gills and prominent tail fins extending dorsally almost to the level of the forelimbs. They are gray-black or brown and lightly flecked with tiny white spots. There is often a row of light spots on the low side, and the throat is usually darkened with pigment. Older larvae may become slightly mottled. Recently metamorphosed young do not have the silver-gray or white markings characteristic of adults. with hatchlings emerging can be found from late spring through July. Larvae feed on tiny invertebrates living on the aquatic s.rbrt.ate. Metamorphosis usually occurs 1-11/2years following hatching. The metamorphosed juveniles resemble adults in coloration although the yellow colors are usually paler and the lateral stripes are considerably narrower and less well-defined. Juveniles and adults feed on small substrate and leaf litter invertebrates. Adults are active during all months of the year. They are primarily nocturnal. move toward breeding ponds and eventually enter the water. Sexual maturity is attained around the time of arrival at the pond. The aquatic adults develop tail fins and remain in their aquatic habitats except for brief forays on land during rainy weather. On rare occasions, dipnetting in field station ponds will uncover a gilled adult. These developed sexual maturity directly from the larval stage. Adults are usually found in ponds that have considerable aquatic vegetation. Ponds with larger fish species may be occupied if submerged aquatic plants are abundant. Skin toxins enable these animals a degree of protection from fish predators. Newts feed on small invertebrates and on the eggs and larvae of other amphibian species.