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The Breeding Habits of the Ringed Salamander, Ambystoma annulatum (Cope), in NorthWestern Arkansas
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The Breeding Habits of the Ringed Salamander, Ambystoma annulatum (Cope), in NorthWestern Arkansas

James R. Spotila and Ronald J. Beumer
The American midland naturalist, v 84(1), pp 77-89
01 Jul 1970

Abstract

Breeding Female animals Highways Mating behavior Ova Ponds Rain Salamanders Spermatophores Spermatozoa
Adult Ambystoma annulatum migrate to the breeding pond only in association with at least 1.27 cm (0.5 in) of rain; they do not migrate prior to mid-September. Adults exhibit a complex pattern of migration in the study area. They engage in a mass courtship (Liebesspiel) very similar to that of A. maculatum. The spermatophore has a wide base, with a short stalk that supports the overhanging sperm cap. Egg laying begins on the night of courtship or the next and is usually completed within two days. Adults leave the pond soon after breeding but may remain active aboveground for at least a week. The courtship behavior, spermatophore, manner of egg deposition and egg mass suggest a close phylogenetic relationship between A. annulatum and the maculatum group.

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