Absence of dorsal glands in the cloaca of male Chioglossa lusitanica and the possible correlation with courtship mode

The cloacal region of male Chioglossa lusitanica was studied using light and scanning-electron microscopy with the aim of describing its anatomy, in particular the accessory glands. Unlike other male salamandrids, which exhibit dorsal, Kingsbury's, pelvic, and ventral glands, the cloaca of male C. lusitanica lacks dorsal glands. This condition is a loss that has occurred more than once within the Salamandridae. The absence of dorsal glands cannot be explained on the basis of aquatic versus terrestrial breeding habits or mode of mate capture.