Notes on the Male Cloacal Anatomy and Reproductive Biology of Euproctus montanus (Amphibia: Salamandridae)

We studied the cloacal anatomy of male Euproctus montanus by light microscopy, which revealed some traits of the cloacal conformation and accessory glands that distinguish this species from the other members of the family. There is a backward-projecting conical protuberance in the cloacal region of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Herpetologica 1995-03, Vol.51 (1), p.8-18
Main Authors: Brizzi, Rossana, Calloni, Carlo, Delfino, Giovanni, Gianfranco Tanteri
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anatomy
Animal glands
Cloaca
Female animals
Herpetology
Histology
Male animals
Mating behavior
Pheromone glands
Spermatophores
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Summary:We studied the cloacal anatomy of male Euproctus montanus by light microscopy, which revealed some traits of the cloacal conformation and accessory glands that distinguish this species from the other members of the family. There is a backward-projecting conical protuberance in the cloacal region of E. montanus, at which apex occurs the vent. The cloacal chamber contains a conspicuous pseudopenis, which may protrude from the cloacal cavity during amplexus. Only two types of accessory glands have been verified-pelvic and ventral glands. Kingsbury's glands are absent, and apparently also the dorsal glands. Observations on the cloacal morphology and accessory glands are discussed in the light of the peculiar mating habits of this species, which consists of female capture and apposition of the male cloaca to the female one. Possibly, this method of mating renders chemical attractants (usually produced by the dorsal glands) unnecessary. In addition, sperm transfer may occur by means of simplified spermatophores, which may account for the lack of Kingsbury's glands and the reduction of ventral glands.
ISSN:0018-0831
1938-5099