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Kosswig's smooth newt
Species of amphibian From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Kosswig's smooth newt (Lissotriton kosswigi) is a newt species found in northwestern Anatolia, east of the Bosphorus.[1][5][6]: 234
Günther Erich Freytag described the species in 1955 as Triturus vulgaris kosswigii, a subspecies of the smooth newt (now Lissotriton vulgaris).[3] After genetic data had suggested the smooth newt was a complex of distinct lineages,[7] Dubois and Raffaëlli, in 2009, recognised several subspecies, including Kosswig's smooth newt, as distinct species.[8] This was followed by subsequent authors.[4][5][9] Molecular phylogenetics suggested that the closest relative of Kosswig's smooth newt is the Greek smooth newt (Lissotriton graecus) from the Balkans.[9]
The species differs from other species in the smooth newt species complex mainly in the male secondary characters during breeding season.[5] The male dorsal crest is less than 1 mm high, but high at the tail base, has smooth edges, and ends in a long filament. The well-developed dorso-lateral folds give the body a square shape. The toe flaps are well developed.[6]: 234
Paedomorphic adults have been reported for Kosswig's smooth newt.[10]
Due to a limited range, a fragmented population and a continuous decline to the extent and quality of its habitat, the species is listed as vulnerable.[2]
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References
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