Body size and reproductive characteristics of paedomorphic and metamorphic individuals of the northern banded newt (Ommatotriton ophryticus)

Abstract

Paedomorphs and metamorphs of the northern banded newt (Ommatotriton ophryticus) were compared with respect to body size and some reproductive traits. Paedomorphic females are smaller than metamorphic individuals of the same sex. Both morphs have a similar reproduction pathway in terms of egg number and incubation period, while hatching success and egg diameter appear to be different between morphs. Survival rates of two morphs were significantly different and calculated as 66% for paedomorphs, and 81% for metamorphs. On the other hand, both forms shared a common allometric slope of the SVL vs. number of eggs and egg diameter, and larger females tend to produce more and larger eggs. © Firenze University Press.