Larval Development of the Salamanders Pseudotriton montanus and P. ruber

The larval development of Pseudotriton montanus and P. ruber was studied in the Piedmont of western South Carolina. Larvae of both species hatch in winter and metamorphose in summer. The larval period of P. montanus is usually 17?3 months, but may be prolonged for an additional year. That of P. ruber is ordinarily 30?E2 months. However, the growth rate of P. montanus is higher than that of P. ruber, such that the two species metamorphose at nearly the same size. It is suggested that the more rapid growth and shorter larval period of P. montanus have evolved in response to inherently greater hazards in the lowland environments occupied! by this species, in contrast to greater stability and safety in the upland habitats of P. ruber. The differences between the species in these life-cycle parameters are considered addi- tional evidence for more intense r-selection in P. montanus than in P. ruber.