Unlike those of most amphibians, olm larvae do not go through a distinct period of metamorphosis. Instead, the hatchling juveniles have developed directly into adults, retaining some of their larval characters such as gills and tail fins. Environmental temperature plays an important role in the development of eggs as well as juveniles. Within the range of 8° to 15°C, development time is relatively shorter (86 days) in warm temperatures and longer (182 days) in cold temperatures.
Development - Life Cycle: neotenic/paedomorphic; metamorphosis
- Durand, J. 1981. Influence of temperature on the development of Proteus anguinus (Caudata: Proteidae) and relation with its habitat in the subterranean world. Journal of Thermal Biology, 6/1: 53-57.
- Sessions, S. 2010. "Grzimek's Animal Life - Proteus" (On-line). Accessed February 14, 2010 at http://animals.galegroup.com.proxy.lib.umich.edu/web/grzimeks/animals/Proteidae.
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