Matrimonial corns are a secondary sexual attribute of sexually mature males of some species of frogs and salamanders . They are a manifestation of sexual dimorphism . Especially noticeable during the mating season.
They are formed under the influence of androgens in the form of an epithelial tumor, sometimes horn cones or spikes. Depending on the species, they appear on the fingers (from one to three), the inner sides of the paws ( toad ) or chest ( crosses ). Less commonly in the abdominal cavity or lower jaw. Intended to help males hold females during the ampllexus . Also used by males of some species during battles.
Of the few caudate amphibians, corns are present on the front and hind limbs of mountain tritons , needle tritons, and American tritons of the genera Notophthalmus and Taricha .
See also
- Amplexus
Sources
- William E. Duellman. Biology of Amphibians . - JHU Press, 1994 .-- P. 55. - ISBN 978-0801847806 .
- Science & Nature - Wildfacts - Common frog, grass frog . BBC (July 25, 2008).
- Klaus Kabisch: Worterbuch der Herpetologie. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Jena 1990, ISBN 3-334-00307-8 , S. 76.
- Andreas Nollert, Christel Nollert: Die Amphibien Europas . Franckh-Kosmos, Stuttgart 1992, ISBN 3-440-06340-2 , S. 33 ff.