Triturus vittatus cilicensis F1

[sergé]

In the winter 2003-20004 my Triturus vittatus cilicensis from south Turkey bred, and juveniles that metamorphosed in March now already start with breeding! So barely one year old at a total length of 6,5 cm they are entering the water.
Like in southern populations of Triturus pygmaeus animals start at a small size with breeding. This leads to the idea that they are dwarf forms, which in fact they are not. To my opinion it is just a strategy to anticipate on breeding possiblities. Especially in those area's it does not rain enough every year, so they have to take very chance they have. These animals continue to grow however up to total sizes of 11-12 cm (see the pcitures I placed on caudata central of the parents of this fellow).

 

[jesper]

Very interesting! There's so little news about the various subspecies of vittatus, alpestris etc that it is always nice to hear something about them. Nice pic.

 

[rubén]

Yes , a really interest phenomenon . Probably is an adaptation of Triturus genus in mediterranean lands with particulary extreme conditions , like dryness at summer , because I've seen this dwarf size in Triturus pygmaeus , Triturus boscai in Doñana ( Spain ) and Triturus vulgaris graecus ( Greece )

 

[sergé]

Yes Rubén, I think you are right.