Abstract
One of the most interesting heterochronic processes in the European newt (genus Triturus) is paedomorphosis, a phenomenon of attaining reproductive maturity while retaining larval features. However, paedomorphosis seems to be rare in the crested newt (Triturus cristatus superspecies). In the locality Vrba, near the town of Tuzi (Montenegro), Dr Georg Džukic found paedomorphic Macedonian crested newt (Triturus macedonicus). In this paper, new evidence for this heterochronic process in the crested newt from Montenegro is reported.
Highlights
Developmental heterohronies are defined as a developmental change in the timing of events, leading to changes in the shape and size of individuals
Facultative paedomorphosis is common in European newts, especially in alpine (Ichthyosaura alpestris) and smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris) in the Balkan area
According to Džukić (1990), the incidence of paedomorphic individuals is very high in some populations of alpine and smooth newts in the Balkans, but in the crested newts (Triturus cristatus superspecies) facultative paedomorphosis appears to be rare; only single paedomorphic individuals were recorded
Summary
Developmental heterohronies are defined as a developmental change in the timing of events, leading to changes in the shape and size of individuals. Individuals express facultative paedomorphosis in that individuals either transform into terrestrial metamorphic adults or remain in the aquatic environmental conditions experienced during larval development (Whiteman, 1994; Denoël et al, 2005). Facultative paedomorphosis is common in European newts (family Salamandridae, genus Triturus), especially in alpine (Ichthyosaura alpestris) and smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris) in the Balkan area.
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