Periodicity and duration of molting in the crested newt (Triturus cristatus, Amphibia, Caudata, Salamandridae) under artificial conditions
https://doi.org/10.26897/2949-4710-2025-3-4-4-03
Abstract
This article presents the results of a study on the periodicity and duration of molting in the crested newt (Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768)) under artificial conditions. Observations were conducted over 259 days (from February 11 to September 30, 2022) on 11 pairs of adult individuals maintained under laboratory conditions following artificial wintering. It was established that the highest molting intensity occurs during the breeding season (April–May), with females molting statistically significantly more frequently and for longer periods than males. Outside the reproductive season, both molting frequency and duration decrease. The obtained data suggest that changes in the molting rhythm are associated with the physiological necessity of maintaining efficient cutaneous respiration during the aquatic phase of life, as well as with hormonal and energetic expenditures related to reproduction. These results expand our understanding of the skin physiology of caudate amphibians and their adaptation to seasonal changes in their life cycle
About the Authors
Anastasia O. Kucherova
Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anastasia O. Kucherova, postgraduate student of the Department of Zoology and Aquaculture, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Darina P. Bondar
Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Darina P. Bondar, student of the Department of Zoology and Aquaculture, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Sergey V. Akchurin
Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Sergey V. Akchurin, DSc (Vet), Head of the Institute of Animal Science (Zootechnics) and Biology, Russian State Agrarian University – Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Irina V. Akchurina
Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Irina V. Akchurina, CSc (Vet), Associate Professor at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Artem A. Kidov
Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Artem A. Kidov, DSc (Bio), Professor, Head of the Department of Zoology and Aquaculture, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
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Review
For citations:
Kucherova A.O., Bondar D.P., Akchurin S.V., Akchurina I.V., Kidov A.A. Periodicity and duration of molting in the crested newt (Triturus cristatus, Amphibia, Caudata, Salamandridae) under artificial conditions. Timiryazev Biological Journal. 2025;3(4):403. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26897/2949-4710-2025-3-4-4-03
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