Sexual behaviour of Bosca's newt, Triturus boscai

Abstract

AbstractThe sexual behaviour of Bosca's newt, Triturus boscai is characterized by an extended phase of static display, during which tail fanning is the main display. This behaviour is similar to that of another species, T. italicus. During the static display phase males may also push the females' throat with the snout, and perform tail flicking movements. Unlike the other small-bodied Triturus species, T. boscai males receive very little or no indication on the part of the female signalling them to begin the spermatophore transfer phase, and do not perform retreat display. As in T. italicus, the tail-touch behaviour by the female of T. boscai appears to be less stereotyped than in the T vulgaris-helveticus-montandoni group. Spermatophore transfer success was highest at the beginning of the sexual encounters, the so-called early sequences. These sequences had little or no fanning behaviour before the spermatophore transfer. Luring behaviours are often performed, mainly during the spermatophore transfer phase.