Some comments on the breeding biology of Pelodytes caucasicus Boulenger, 1896 (Anura: Pelodytidae) from Uzungöl, northeast Anatolia

Observations during 2001 and 2002 at Uzungöl Lake (Trabzon), situated within the distribution area of Pelodytes caucasicus in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey, established that the usual breeding season of the species extended from mid July to mid September. Periodic day and night measurements of some ecological characteristics of the lake (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen) were recorded during the breeding season. The first spawning was observed during the night of 22 July 2001. Clutches (egg masses) were laid in the deeper parts of the lake, on submerged vegetation. The clutches contained between 446 and 492 eggs. The first larvae hatched 5 days after the spawning. They completed their metamorphosis in 31-35 days and then emerged on land. After the first (2001) breeding season, non-metamorphosed hibernating larvae were seen during the winter and spring months. © TÜBİTAK.