Biology

The Sardinian newt is the most aquatic member of the genus and individuals can be found in the water year round. Mating takes place in the water, either following hibernation in April and May, or after aestivation in the autumn (4). Mouth open, the male actively searches for a female, he then grabs her with his mouth and takes her to a suitable mating place (4). Females lay their eggs individually under rocks and in cracks, with use of their elongated cloaca. In captivity, eggs have been laid on the substrate or under sand. Observations on the development of eggs are only known from captivity (4); larval periods can be very long and may last for more then a year, at temperatures of 15 °C. Larvae that develop in stagnant waters seem to grow larger than those in running waters. The discovery of sexually mature animals with gill vestiges suggests a tendency towards the retention of juvenile characteristics (termed 'paedomorphosis') in this species (4).