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Adaptive Dorsal Patterning and Morphological Variation in the Salamander Ensatina klauberi

CSEF · 2005 Zoology

Hippolyte Goux · North (John Wesley) High School, Riverside

Overview

Objectives/Goals The aim was to test the hypothesis that the color pattern of the salamander Ensatina klauberi is cryptic. It was also to compare the Ensatina salamander species klauberi and platensis to determine if their different dorsal pattern is due to dissimilarities in habitat background. Methods/Materials Specimens of the species klauberi and platensis were where found and photographed at four sites in California. Photographs were then analyzed using Scion Image Analysis Software. Three aspects of the salamander#s dorsum were quantified: 1) the Relative Average Spot Area, 2) the percentage of the dorsum covered by spots (Percent Cover), and 3) the number of spots on the dorsum. For the ground cover in Ensatina#s habitat, three areas at each site where randomly selected and photographed. The percent cover of light and dark areas in the background was then measured. Results Between-group analysis revealed two different patterns: 1) in the platensis sample, spots were smaller but more numerous, and a large portion of the head and dorsum was black; 2) klauberi has larger but far less numerous spots that cover a greater portion of the dorsum and head. On average, substrate in klauberi habitats had an equal amount of dark and light ground cover. The ground cover in Sequoia was different from that in klauberi habitats, with an average 66.7% of the ground covered by dark soil. Within-group analysis of klauberi revealed morphological variations between the 3 sampled populations. Conclusions/Discussion The results support the hypothesis that the blotches of Ensatina are cryptic. In platensis habitat, the ground was covered at 66.7% by a dark tone. The predominately dark dorsum of platensis means it blends in with this sort of substrate. In klauberi habitat, large light-colored oak leaves covered 49.3% of the ground. Following this pattern, klauberi has large spots and up to 36 % of its dorsum covered by light coloration.

Summary statement

The research investigates the cryptic value and geographic variation in the dorsal color pattern of the salamander species Ensatina klauberi.

Help received

Andrew Stoehr, graduate student at the University of California at Riverside, taught me how to use the Image Analysis Program.

Awards (1)

  • Category Award

Competition history

  • CSEF 2005 Zoology · Entry S1903

Resources

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