Phenotypic plasticity and local adaptations to dissolved oxygen in larvae fire salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata).

A key environmental factor that varies both spatially and temporally in surface waters is dissolved oxygen (DO). In stagnant ephemeral freshwater ponds, DO can fluctuate diurnally and seasonally, while the constant mixing of water in streams typically maintain DO levels close to saturation with only minor fluctuations. Larvae of the Near Eastern fire salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata) develop in a range of waterbodies that vary in flow and permanence.

Temporal migration patterns and mating tactics influence size-assortative mating in .

Assortative mating is a common pattern in sexually reproducing species, but the mechanisms leading to assortment remain poorly understood. By using the European common frog () as a model, we aim to understand the mechanisms leading to size-assortative mating in amphibians. With data from natural populations collected over several years, we first show a consistent pattern of size-assortative mating across our 2 study populations.

The taxonomic status of Dugesiabiblica from Israel and Turkey (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae).

The taxonomic status of Dugesiabiblica (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae) from Israel and Turkey is problematic due to its morphological similarity with Dugesiasicula since these nominal species present overlapping characters. In this study we analyzed histological preparations of specimens of these two nominal species and also compared mitochondrial COI gene sequences from Israeli populations to the already known haplotype composition of Dugesiasicula. We concluded that these animals belong to the same species and therefore we consider Dugesiabiblica to be a junior synonym of Dugesiasicula.

Effects of Tail Clipping on Larval Performance and Tail Regeneration Rates in the Near Eastern Fire Salamander, Salamandra infraimmaculata.

Tail-tip clipping is a common technique for collecting tissue samples from amphibian larvae and adults. Surprisingly, studies of this invasive sampling procedure or of natural tail clipping--i.e.