Sexual dimorphism in the dorsal spot number and yellow surface in fire salamanders Salamandra salamandra ssp terrestris Linnaeus, 1758 (Caudata: Salamandridae)

Abstract

Sexual selection among amphibians is mainly based on size and colour dimorphism. Those criteria are less studied in salamanders. Only morphometric and yellow surface differences between males and females are known. We studied a Salamandra salamandra terrestris population and observed significant differences in spots number and yellow surface area between males and females. Females have on average more spots and are blacker than males on their back.