Geographic variation in the frequencies of the color morphs of Plethodon cinereus in New England shows that significant black form frequency is correlated with relatively warm climate. Temporal variation indicates early withdrawal of black individuals from the surface in autumn. In a population of 30% black and 70% striped individuals, the black frequency was higher among juveniles than adults, indicating differential mortality of the morphs.
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Lotter et al. (1977) studied this question.
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