From the histochemical analysis of the tongue of Cynops pyrrhogaster pyrrhogaster, it has been possible to establish that the lingual glands and the goblet cells show a variety of cellular types which display typical histochemical reaction to mucopolysaccharides and proteins. In the terminal portions of the lingual glands every cell produces secretory granules consisting of mucopolysaccharides and proteins, but in the cervical portions the secretory cells contain hardly any protein substance. The goblet cells scattered on the ventral epithelium contain both neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides.

View full abstract

Reproduction of female Rana porosa brevipoda was studied in the northern Ina Basin, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The age at first reproduction was estimated to be 2 years. The smallest female with mature eggs was 47mm in SVL. Based on the ovarian cycle of mature females, it is suggested that at least some individuals deposit two clutches in a breeding period, and that weights of the second clutches are much lighter than those of the first ones.

View full abstract

Male breeding territoriality in a salamander, Hynobius takedai, was observed at Joyama, in the city of Toyama in 1982 and 1983 for 60 man-days at night. Males were marked by beads sewed on their tails. Males competed for good shelters in the water by biting, poking and wagging their tails. The dominant males resided at the shelters, and excluded other males from there. Attacking was made in an area of 22×22cm² on the average and the duration of the residence extended for 15 days on the average. Females chose the shelters for spawning and, therefore, the males that had resided at good shelters succeeded in inseminating females. On the contrary, males that had not resided followed moving females or quickly approached spawning ones. They had little chances to succeed in insemination. The behavior of residing at a fixed place and excluding other males from there is regarded as a territorial behavior. The defended resouces are the shelters suitable for spawning.

View full abstract