Life Cycle and Population Structure of the Salamander Stereochilus marginatus in North Carolina

The life history of Stereochilus marginatus was studied at Croatan National Forest in eastern North Carolina. This highly aquatic salamander is abundant in drainage ditches, small ponds, and sluggish streams. Mating occurs in autumn, egg-laying in winter, and hatching in early spring. Although the usual length of the larval period is 25-28 months, some individuals apparently transform after a larval period of only 13-16 months. Larvae metamorphose in late spring and summer. The age range for initial reproduction in males is estimated as 21-45 months; however, most males develop to sexual maturity immediately after transformation, and breed initially at an age of 33 months. Most females remain immature during the year following metamorphosis, and oviposit for the first time at four years of age. Initial oviposition at three years of age may occur for females which metamorphose early and delay maturity, and for females which metamorphose late and develop to maturity immediately. There is no apparent sexual dimorphism, and the sex ratio is 1:1.