A Salamander Adventure

Tindomul1of9 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-30-2006, 10:55 PM

Went out today to Upstate NY, don't want to give the exact location to protect the animals from overcollecting, etc...

The woods were practically teeeming with these guys,
Ambystoma laterale, Blue Spotted Salamander. Absolutely gorgeous animal!!!

The Red Backed Salamander, or Plethodon cinerues. This is a lungless salamander. One under almost every rock.

And Nopothalmus viridescens, Eastern Red-Spotted Newt. These are the immature forms of the this species. They are called Red-Efts as they are red compared to the adults which brown or tan in color. The Redness indicates toxicity. These guys were just walking willy nilly across the woods in big numbers. The adults, not pictured

were found in nearby wetlands underwater in large congregations!

And finally a Pseudacris crucifer. Spring Peeper. These guys were calling in the woods.

We also found bullfrogs.

kerokero · #2 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006, 07:23 PM

Just to let you guys over here know (after this thread was posted under "Other Amphibians" on DB) it came to light that the Blue Spotted Sal was actually a Slimey Sal (Plethodon glutinosus).

Tindomul1of9 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006, 09:37 PM

Kero Kero!!!! Woot!!
Great to see you overhere.
Thanks for the update too. I'm really confused as to what type it is. My professor called it a Jeffersons, but I don't think thats what it is. But thats what was going to be on the test, so thats what I learned.

fish_4_all · #4 (**permalink**) 12-22-2006, 06:18 PM

Very nice collection. Makes me a little more optimistic about finding species in my area. I really hope to find some that are aquatic so I can set up a 50/50 land/water vivarium. I guess I will have to find what species are out there and then identify them. Find out what their habitat needs are and then set up a vivarium. A lot of work but I know so little about them that I need to get as much knowlegde as possible before putting them in a miniature environment. Is the only way I can make them a home they will hopefuly thrive in.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't expect to be able to find these little guys now that it is winter?

Tindomul1of9 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-22-2006, 08:30 PM

yea, they most likely will hide deep in the earth for the winter. Wait till spring, after the first warm rains. Your chances will be better then. try to find out what species are not threatened so you don't get into any trouble.

rudd03 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-29-2008, 12:49 PM

I love going out collecting too. I never keep then though. Great catch and nice diversity. I'm down south never seen any of those befor. Thanks for the pics.