Effects of head shape variation on growth, metamorphosis and survivorship in larval salamanders (Hynobius retardatus)

The effects of head shape variation on growth and metamorphosis in larval salamander (Hynobius retardatus) were examined by a laboratory experiment and a field experiment. In the laboratory experiment, each larva was fed equal amounts and was prevented from accessing others in both the solitary and group treatments, although chemical cues could be transmitted through water in the group treatment. The relative head width of larvae became larger in the group treatment during the early periods but having a large head width did not finally influence growth rate and days for metamorphosis. In the field experiment, larvae were allowed to contact each other directly in two density conditions. The enlarged relative head width was linked to high growth rate in the high‐density treatment but not in the low‐density treatment. The larval body size distribution in the high‐density condition tended to be smaller, and there was a small proportion of large‐sized individuals with a broad head width. Moreover, the small number of large larvae metamorphosed much earlier than the others. The mortality of larvae in high‐density conditions was much higher than that in the low‐density treatments. This would be a consequence of cannibalism in the high‐density condition. From the experimental results obtained, it is argued that for the larvae of H. retardatus having a large head is an adaptive tactic that maximizes fitness, particularly in temporary ponds with an unpredictable environment and in crowded conditions.