Red Variants of the Japanese Newt Cynops pyrrhogaster (Amphibia: Salamandridae)

Review of Records and Captive Observations on the Heredity of Coloration

Abstract

We surveyed information regarding the locality and detailed dorsal color pattern of red variants of the Japanese newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster. Results indicated that more individuals characterized by red dorsal ground color have been found in the western half of Japan and that such variants can be classified into three types. The heredity of coloration in one of these variant types, that having numerous small black spots on dorsum, was examined in a series of hybridization experiments in captivity. The results strongly suggested that coloration of this variant type is inherited and recessive.