Reproductive Patterns of Three Plethodon Salamanders Endemic to the Ouachita Mountains
Date of Graduation
Spring 1987
Degree
Master of Science in Biology
Department
Biology
Committee Chair
Robert Wilkinson
Abstract
Monthly collections of Plethodon caddoensis, the Caddo Mountain salamander, Plethodon ouachitate, the Rich Mountain salamander and Plethodon fourchensis, the Fourche Mountain salamander were made in 1985 and 1986. Reproductive patterns, fecundity and length-weight relationships were examined. When compared to male SVL, female P. caddoensis were significantly longer (p < 0.05), but female P. ouachitae and P. fourchensis were not significantly different(p > 0.05). The relationship between SVL and weight for all three species was linear as was the relationship between TL and SVL. Testes and fat bodies changed seasonally. Breeding likely occured in late summer and early fall when testes were greatest in size. Ovaries changed seasonally as a result of maturing ova. Oviposition occured in May when ovaries were greatest in size. A season fat body cycle could not be determined for females. Mean number of ova for P. caddoensis, P. ouachitae and P. Fourchensis was 11.85 (± 0.76), 18.6 (± 1.61) and 14.1 (± 1.14), respectively.
Subject Categories
Biology
Copyright
© Cindy L Taylor
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Cindy L., "Reproductive Patterns of Three Plethodon Salamanders Endemic to the Ouachita Mountains" (1987). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 210.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/210
Dissertation/Thesis
