Abstract

Abstract The large-bodied newts Triturus cristatus and T. marmoratus possess ranges that overlap in western France where they frequently share breeding ponds. I test the hypothesis that the aquatic phenology differs between them, as associated with a more aquatic and terrestrial life style respectively. Total adult population sizes were determined in spring in 13 experiments by the capture-mark-recapture methodology, followed by equivalent experiments in summer. Population sizes dropped by an order of magnitude on average whereas species frequencies changed in favour of T. cristatus, suggesting that T. marmoratus leaves the breeding site earlier than T. cristatus. Interspecies hybrids behaved like T. marmoratus. Descriptions are provided of other features (in ecology, morphology, demography, and colouration pattern) that support the different, aquatic versus terrestrial life styles of T. cristatus and T. marmoratus.

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