Re-evaluation of a little-known Neurergus crocatus population from Başaran (Şırnak, Türkiye): insights on morphology and oviposition (Caudata, Salamandridae)

Abstract

A population of Neurergus crocatus Cope, 1862 from Başaran village (Şırnak, Türkiye), originally reported in 2009 and not studied further since, was re-evaluated during fieldwork conducted in May 2025, providing the first data on oviposition and detailed morphology from this locality. Morphometric analysis revealed pronounced sexual size dimorphism, with females (mean total length: 156.8 mm) being larger than males (140.7 mm). Sexual dichromatism and cloacal dimorphism were consistent with previous descriptions of the species. Oviposition was documented, with eggs deposited in adhesive gelatinous capsules beneath submerged substrates. Despite its Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List, N. crocatus remains poorly studied. © 2025, Pfeil Verlag. All rights reserved.