The phylogenetic relationships ofTriturus italicus

Abstract

Several studies attempted to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships among the species of Tritums by a number of data sets from morphology, courtship behaviour, reproductive interactions, cytogenetics and molecules. The present paper critically reviews those studies with regard to the phylogenetic affinities of T. italicus (Peracca, 1898). Most studies locate T. italicus within the radiation of the small-sized newts (subgenus Palaeotriton), but are in conflict about its sister-group, whether T. vulgaris or T. boscai. Recent studies on mtDNA sequences suggest that Triturus is paraphyletic and several other genera should be included within the genus, with T. italicus being an outgroup of all the other species and genera. It is concluded that, at present, little can be stated about the relationship of T. italicus and that new data should be collected.