Cynops orientalis sexing (again)

[alan]

Well, I've looked at the archived pictures, and I'm still not sure about mine:

Pretty sure #1 is a male, but what about the others?
Opinions welcomed, thanks.

 

[chris]

I'd say 1,2,3 are males but not sure about number 4
Chris

 

[john]

Hi Alan, I'm not a Cynops expert but here's my opinion.

I honestly think 1 and 2 are males and 3 and 4 are females. 3's cloaca is a little swollen but that can be transitory in female newts in my experience. The other alternative is that it's a juvenile male but you would know that yourself.

 

[paul]

I think the same like John, but have a look at the tail. That of males is shorter an higher.

Paul

 

[alan]

Well, well.

Number forty seven said to number three
You're the cutest Cynops I ever did see
C'mon and do the spermatophore exchange with me

Sorry ... someone gave me an Elvis CD for Christmas ... but last night I could have sworn I saw number 1 (above) doing a Triturus type dance in front of number 3. Is this Cynops mating behavior? The "female" seemed to be uninterested, although the water temperatue is still only arounf 12C at present.

 

[jennifer]

Alan, yes, that's the usual mating dance for Cynops. Lots of tail waving toward the female. Occasionally, a male will wave his tail at another male, but not for very long. If the male keeps going with this, he's probably got a female in his sights! Hope you get some eggs soon!