Contribution to the knowledge of the biology of the banded newt (Triturus vittatus vittatus) in rainpools in Israel

The period of activity, population parameters and food habits of adult Triturus v. vittatus were studied in a small rainpool system, in the central coastal plain of Israel. During November-December adults occurred on land. Thereafter, until the end of February, theyoccurred mostly in water. Breeding took place in February. The newts disappeared from the area of the pools by the end of February. The period of activity in and around the pools was shorter by 2-4 months than that reported for a northern population. On land as well as in water the highest proportion of newts were found whenthe ambient midday temperature ranged from 17° to 21° C. The observed population comprised more males than females. Males were significantly longer than females. Adult T. v. vittatus feed on a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates but may exhibit some degree of food selection.