On the Sexual Behaviour of Paramesotriton caudopunctatus (LIU & Hu) (Amphibia: Caudata: Salamandridae)

Abstract

Courtship of P. caudopunctatus is similar to that of Triturus spp. The male courts a female by making fanning movements with his tail. When the female's response is positive, she follows the male. The male deposits a spermmass, which remains sticking to the cloaca of the female, when she creeps over it. P. caudopuntatus displays only 1 type of tailmovement: the fanning. The tip of the male's tail, which is marked with a bright spot, probably plays a role in courtship as a visual stimulator. At the time of oviposition the female's cloaca is swollen. The eggs are mounted in clefts and hollows in or between stones.