Influence of moisture on the activity of a plethodontid salamander

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Keen, W. H.

Source:

Copeia, American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH), Volume 1984, Issue 3, p.684-688 (1984)

Call Number:

A84KEE01IDUS

Keywords:

Coeur d'Alene salamander, Desmognathus fuscus

Abstract:

Nocturnal activity patterns and the use of cover objects by the salamander Desmognathus fuscus were investigated under varying conditions of substrate moisture. Duration of activity was directly related to level of substrate moisture. Although activity during the first half of the night was similar in low and high moisture conditions, activity was reduced in the second half of the night on low moisture substrate compared to the high moisture. Activity was more variable on high than on low moisture substrate. A bimodal nocturnal activity pattern was apparent under both moisture conditions. Salamanders took refuge under smaller rocks more frequently on high moisture than on low moisture substrate. On low moisture substrate salamanders used larger rocks more frequently and were more clumped in their dispersion pattern than on high moisture substrate. These results suggest that habitat moisture may mediate the frequency of biological interactions in plethodontid salamanders during times of stress.