Observations on Nest Site Selection, Nest Desertion, and Embryonic Survival in Marbled Salamanders

Abstract

Data on the nesting biology of marbled salamanders (Ambystoma opacum) were obtained on 292 nests from 11 temporary pools in central North Carolina. About 6% of the nests were communal and contained eggs from two or three females. Each of the remaining nests contained a single clutch of eggs. Females placed nests primarily at moderate to high elevations in dried pond beds and rarely nested in pond bottoms. Embryonic survival was dependent on elevation of nests in some ponds, but not in others. About 25% of nests were abandoned within 2-4 weeks after oviposition. Mean egg viability and clutch size were significantly lower in unattended nests than in attended nests. These results are consistent with the view that brooding and nest site selection along elevational gradients are adaptations for terrestrial breeding in Ambystoma opacum.