Size Groups and their Characteristics in the Salamander Hemidactylium scutatum (Schlegel)

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Abstract
Evidence is presented in favor of the view that Hemidactylium attains sexual maturity near the end of its 3rd season of life, i.e., when it is approximately 21/3 yrs. old. Juveniles in their 1st autumn can be recognized by their small size (about 26-41 mm. of total length) and by their short tails (less than the length of the body measured to the posterior insertion of the hind leg). There is practically no difference in length between the sexes at this age, but the mean for the [female][female] is slightly, perhaps significantly, greater than that for the [male][male]. Juveniles in their 2nd autumn are distinctly longer than the yearlings, but as a group they overlap in length the shorter portion of the adult group. The [female][female] average about 4 mm. longer than the [male][male]. The relative length of the tail is not significantly different between the sexes at this age. It is distinctly different, however, from that of the yearlings, for it is nearly always longer than the body. The adults are, of course, larger than the juveniles, except for some overlapping. The [female][female] are longer by 91/2 mm., on the average, than the [male][male] and, when bearing eggs, have distinctly wider abdomens. The [male][male] have relatively longer tails than the [female][female], and are recognizable otherwise by differences in the shape of the head. There is some evidence that differences in local conditions may have a decided influence on the sizes attained by the different populations.

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