SREL Reprint #0840
Growth
and Metamorphosis of Larval Red Salamanders (Pseudotriton ruber)
On the Coastal Plain of South Carolina
Raymond
D. Semlitsch
Abstract
Larval development of the red salamander, Pseudotriton
ruber, is described for two populations on the Upper Coastal Plain of
South Carolina. The smallest
larvae, presumably hatchlings, were collected in January 1979 and 1980 and
measured 11.2-13.5 mm in snout-vent length (SVL).
Estimates of growth for the first 6 mo of life ranged from 1.2 – 2.0
mm/mo based on field collections and 2.8 mm/mo from experimental cages.
Most larvae metamorphosed from June through November, 18-23 mo after
hatching. The period of larval
development was shorter than described for populations in the Blue Ridge and
Piedmont Psysiographic Provinces of North and South Carolina.
Size of larvae at metamorphosis ranged from 45.5 – 50.0 mm SVL.
The maximum size of larvae and size at metamorphosis were significantly
larger than reported for Blue Ridge and Piedmont population.
Key words:
Amphibia; Caudatz; Plethodontidal; Pseudotriton rubber;
Body size; (Geographic variation; Growth; larval period; Metamorphosis
SREL Reprint #0840
Semlitsch, R.D. 1983. Growth and metamorphosis of
larval red salamanders (Pseudotriton ruber) on the Coastal Plain
of South Carolina. Herpetologica 39:48-52.
