A natural hybrid newt, Triturus helveticus×T. vulgaris, from a pond in mid-Wales |
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| Authors: | R A Griffiths J M Roberts and S Sims |
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| Institution: | Department of Applied Biology, UWIST, Llysdinam Field Centre, Newbridge-on-Wye, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6NB, UK;Animal Behaviour Research Group, Department of Biology, The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK;Department of Zoology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK |
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| Abstract: | The first unequivocal example of a natural Trilurus helvelicus × T. vulgaris hybrid is described. The specimen was a male and discriminant analysis of physical characters indicated that it was morphologically intermediate between the parent species. A karyotype confirmed that the hybrid bore a haploid set of chromosomes from T. helveticus and a haploid set from T. vulgaris. Examination of the sex chromosomes showed that it was the result of mating between a male T. helveticus and a female T. vulgaris. As numerous mature sperm bundles were observed in both testes, the hybrid was therefore potentially fertile. |
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