Aspects of the Life History and Ecology of the Olympic Salamander, Rhyacotriton olympicus (Gaige)

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Abstract
Life history attributes of 2 populations of R. olympicus were studied in western Oregon [USA]. A population in the Coast Range had smaller eggs, metamorphic size, size at maturity, mean adult size, maximum size and higher fecundity, compared to a population in the Columbia River Gorge. The population in the Coast Range may have smaller hatchlings and lower age at maturity. Females were larger in both populations. Spermatophores were found in females in all months except Aug., Sept., Dec. and Jan., indicating an extended courtship season. Oviposition may occur at almost any time, although there was a peak of courtship and egg-laying activity in May in both populations. Data on growth, density and movement of marked larvae were given for the population in the Columbia River Gorge. Females reproduced annually and apparently did not attend the embryos. In many respects, the reproductive mode of R. olympicus was more like that of hemidactyliine plethodontids than other ambystomatids.