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

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.