Context: Stellar evolution theory suggests that the relationship between number ratios of supernova (SN) types and metallicity holds important clues as to the nature of the progenitor stars (mass, metallicity, rotation, binarity, etc). Aims: We investigate the metallicity dependence of number ratios of various SN types, using a large sample of SN along with information on their radial position in, and magnitude of, their host galaxy. Methods: We derive typical galaxian metallicities (using the well known metallicity-luminosity relation) and local metallicities, i.e. at the position of the SN; in the latter case, we use the empirical fact that the metallicity gradients in disk galaxies are ~ constant when expressed in dex/R25. Results: We confirm a dependence of the N(Ibc)/N(II) ratio on metallicity; recent single star models with rotation and binary star models with no rotation appear to reproduce equally well that metallicity dependence. The size of our sample does not allow significant conclusions on the N(Ic)/N(Ib) ratio. Finally, we find an unexpected metallicity dependence of the ratio of thermonuclear to core collapse supernovae, which we interpret in terms of the star formation properties of the host galaxies.
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