Pelodytidae

Family Pelodytidae – Cross-tailed newts. Genera: 1; Species: 3.

Distribution: Southern Europe, the Caucasus (Southwest Asia). Small (30–55 mm) tailless amphibians that are nocturnal. They can inhabit various elevations—from sea level up to 2,300 m above sea level. Cross-backed newts get their name from the characteristic light-colored cross-shaped pattern on their backs. Males are larger than females; during the breeding season, they change color, becoming darker; the ridges and tubercles on their backs are covered with a horny layer, the surface of which is uneven and forms thickened areas in places. These horny formations disappear during molting after the breeding season. The female lays her eggs in stagnant water bodies or in streams, choosing locations with a slow current. Pelodytes punctatus Pelodytes ibericus Pelodytes caucasicus Sources: 1. Vitt L.J., Caldwell J.P. Herpetology. An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles 2. The Life of Animals.

In 7 volumes.

Volume 5.

Amphibians. Reptiles. 3. https://fr.academic.ru/ 4. https://www.vertebradosibericos.org/