Abstract
Ambystoma gracile is a polymorphic species, with some individuals attaining sexual maturity in the larval form. Such neotenic A. gracile retain larval characters in nonreproductive tissues. The cloacal anatomy of metamorphosed and neotenic individuals of both sexes was examined to determine the degree to which the larval state is reflected in reproductive structures. No difference in anatomy or onset of development of cloacal glands exists between metamorphosed and neotenic salamanders; thus, individuals should be capable of interbreeding. One autotriploid male showed few signs of cloacal gland development despite well-developed somatic growth, which supports the hypothesis of delayed maturity or sterility in male polyploid salamanders.
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