Seasonal Incidence of Sperm within the Spermathecae of Ouachita Dusky Salamanders (Desmognathus brimleyorum) in Arkansas

We examined 91 adult female Ouachita dusky salamanders {Desmognathus brimleyorum) to determine the seasonal incidence of sperm within spermathecae. The spermatheca (sperm storage gland) along with supporting tissue was removed from the dorsal cloacal wall of each female and prepared for light microscopy. We recorded the reproductive condition of females (diameter of enlarged ovarian follicles =EOF) and found large aggregates of sperm within the spermathecae during all months, except February (no specimens available). The highest incidence of sperm in spermathecae occurred in July specimens (53%; n = 17). Although the known nesting season runs from July into August in this species, the mating season does not appear to be restricted to spring and summer months. Moreover, females in any month with EOF may or may not possess sperm