Observations on the Behavior of the Larvae of the Common American Newt During Metamorphosis

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Metamorphosis of Triturus viridescens, in the locality of Highlands, N. C, involves the following changes: The skin becomes papillose, molting occurs, the keel is resorbed, the gular fold seals and the gills become partially resorbed. These changes occur during the last 10 days of pre-metamorphic life. Having completed them the larvae leave water and assume a fully terrestrial habitat. Larvae showing any one or a combination of these changes can be forced to a land habitat and will successfully adapt to it. Larvae not allowed to leave water on completion of these changes die. Larvae at the time of metamorphosis are 38.04 + .486 mm. in overall length, with a standard deviation of 2.33. Migration to land occurs chiefly nocturnally.