On the Sexual Behaviour of the Italian Newt, Triturus Italicus (Caudata: Salamandridae)

The sexual behaviour of the Italian Newt Triturus italicus is characterized by an extended phase of static display. Tail fanning is the predominant movement during this stage. Shortly before creeping, a flicking tail movement is inserted in the display. Occasionally the male retreats in front of the female before turning to the spermatophore transfer phase. This behaviour is comparable to the retreat display of the T. vulgaris-helveticus-montandoni group. The long phase of static display resembles the behaviour of another species, T. boscai. In T. italicus, behaviours like retreat and tail touch by the female appear to be less stereotyped than in the T. vulgaris-helveticus-montandoni group.