Reproductive cycle of the golden-striped salamander Chioglossa lusitanica (Caudata, Salamandridae) in NW Portugal

Abstract

The reproductive cycle of the golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica, was studied in the vicinity of Porto (northwestern Portugal), in a population that breeds in a mine gallery. Salamanders (67 females and 64 males) were collected between January and November of 1998. Both sexes showed a seasonal reproductive cycle. Spermatogenesis and oogenesis took place between winter and late spring and the presence of spermatozoa and mature oocytes were observed mainly between early summer and late autumn. Gonad, liver and tail weights varied seasonally in both sexes and appear related to different phases of the sexual cycle. Average potential clutch size was 17.8 (s-x = 0.8; range = 9-34). Clutch size was correlated with snout-vent length and apparently not influenced by tail-length or age.