Reproductive behaviour of the Chinhai Salamander (Echinotriton chinhaiensis) (Caudata: Salamandridae)

Abstract

The Chinhai Salamander, Echinotriton chinhaiensis, mates on land. The male of a courting pair marks a trail by a mucous excretion from his cloaca. The pair follows an ellipsoid track during which manoeuvre a spermatophore is deposited. Partners align their bodies such that the female is led over the spermatophore. Clasping was not observed. The female traces the spermatophore with her cloaca through shifting movements with the pelvic region. A male may deposit several spermatophores on one evening. The courtship is compared to that in the genus Tylototriton.