amplexus (in CC amphib glossary)

[fishkeeper]

basic definition here.

 

[t_summ]

A form of copulation in which the male will grasp the female in an attempt to induce the female to lay eggs.

**This probably is not the best, but I wanted to get the ball rolling**

 

[Mark]

reproductive behaviour in which the male grasps the female newt with his forelimbs. From the latin for “an embrace”

 

[Ralf]

Great amplexus-pictures, Mark. I hate to be a smart alec , one small correction however. The amplexus in e.g. Pleurodeles and Tylototriton differs from that of Notophthalmus and Taricha. In the "New World-amplexus" hind legs or even all four legs might be involved with the male clasping from above (!). Any more pics anybody??? I'll look through mine.
A question to all of you native English speakers. Is the clasping of the male toad (Bufo) as part of the mating behaviour also called amplexus?

 

[Mark]

Well spotted Ralf! It was school boy error on my behalf . Yes amplexus is used for anurans too. Maybe it should say:

reproductive behaviour in which the male grasps the female newt in a hold. From the latin for “an embrace” The grasping method varies by species, for example:...

 

[Otterwoman]

Here are american newts in amplexus. I am sorry about the quality. I don't know if they can be cleaned up at all. First two: T. grans; last one: N. vir.

 

[Jennewt]

Proposed final definition:
Reproductive behavior in which the male grasps the female in a hold. From the Latin for “embrace”. The grasping method varies by species.

Any more proposed changes? Should we attempt to explain the purpose of amplexus?

 

[Abrahm]

Shall we define the various forms of amplexus?

Pectoral or Axillary: The male's forelimbs encircle the female's chest just below her forelimbs
Pelvic or Inguinal: The male's forelimbs encircle the female's waste just above her hindlimbs
Cephalic: The males's forelimbs encircle the female's head and the upper surfaces of his hands are pressed against her chin.

Taricha use pectoral amplexus and Notopthalamus use cepahlic, at least according to a reference in A Natural History of Amphibians by Stebbins and Cohen.