Analysis of Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) Growth Rates Based on Long-Bone Growth Rings

Abstract

Amphibians experience indeterminate growth, but although factors affecting larval growth are relatively well studied, less is known about correlates of postmetamorphic growth. We measured areas between lines of arrested growth (inter-LAG) to determine yearly growth rates to test whether the postmetamorphic growth of 32 Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) was related to age, sex, or year of emergence. Growth decreased with age and was not associated with sex or year of emergence. Using interLAG area as a metric of growth provides growth information in the years before first capture and can be done using the toe-clips commonly taken for marking individuals.