1974/10/28 by T. R. Halliday · 2 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Plant and animal studies #Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior #Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
paper · doi:10.2307/1562896
The sexual behaviour of the European Smooth Newt, Triturus vulgaris (L) is described and some elements of this behaviour not previously described are reported. There is a prolonged period of male display, incorporating visual, olfactory and tactile stimuli, at the end of which a spermatophore is deposited by the male and may be picked up by the female. In the course of a sexual encounter between two newts this sequence is usually repeated a number of times. Some variables that affect the success of spermatophore transfer are discussed. The behaviour is unlike that of most urodeles in that there is virtually no contact between male and female at any stage. The sexual behaviour of this species is discussed as a functional system and some factors that may have influenced its evolution are discussed.