A lotic-breeding salamander (Hynobius kimurae ) modifies physiological and morphological traits during wintering

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Unlike other migratory salamanders, a lotic-breeding and externally fertilizing salamander (Hynobius kimurae) moves to aquatic hibernacula during fall. Does submergence into water during fall induce changes in physiological and morphological traits? We investigated whether such changes occur in both sexes from the entrance into the water (November) to the exit from the water (May). Spermiation began 13.8 weeks after the males entered the water. Spawning occurred 18.3 weeks after the females entered the water. Cloacae swelled greatly soon after the sexes entered the water. Although physiological and morphological traits in other species change simultaneously in both the submergence into water and the onset of breeding activity only during spring, such changes occurred in individual H. kimurae firstly during fall (shortly after entering the water) and secondly during spring (shortly after awaking from hibernation).