Some aspects of the hypothalamic and pituitary development, metamorphosis, and reproductive behavior as studied in amphibians.

•Some of the amphibian life cycle phenomena related to hormones were discussed.•Adenohypophyseal primordium originates from the anterior neural ridge.•Prolactin causes deceleration of metamorphosis and development of adult organs.•Courtship behavior of Cynops newts is under the control of multiple hormones.•Prolactin and androgen enhance the synthesis of the newt courtship pheromones.