Reproductive Biology of Plethodon dorsalis in Northwestern Arkansas

Four species of small, typically red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus, P. dorsalis, P. serratus, P. websteri) occur in the southeastern United States and were formerly included in P. cinereus (Bishop, 1943). Aspects of the life history of P. cinereus, P. serratus, and P. websteri have been studied (Sayler, 1966; Werner, 1971; Nagel, 1977; Lotter, 1978; Semlitsch and West, 1983; Camp, 1988; Taylor et al., 1990). The reproductive biology of southern populations of these species is similar. Sexual maturity is usually attained in the third year of life at a size of about 30-35 mm snout-vent length (SVL); surface activity occurs from fall to spring; oviposition is annual, and each mature female broods 3-15 eggs, presumably during summer in subterranean refuges (Nagel, 1977; Semlitsch and West, 1983; Camp, 1988; Taylor et al., 1990). The purpose of this study was to compare the reproductive biology of P. dorsalis in Arkansas with its morphologically similar congeners. Salamanders were sampled monthly from January to December 1988 by turning logs and rocks in Newton County, Arkansas. However, in June, July, and August, when salamanders were scarce on the surface, all but three individuals were collected in a cave.