Slides
1a - 6
7 - 14
15 - 22
23 - 30
31 - 38
39 - 46
47 - 54
55 - 62
63 - 70
71 - 78
These pages have 80 slides accompanied by a description. This is not a slide program but rather a collection of slides and information. If you would like to view a slide program assembled from these slides, go to the slide program index.
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23. Salamanders migrating to vernal pool. Salamanders may travel several hundred yards in their journey to their vernal pool. You might be able to see them as they cross the forest floor on the first rainy night of spring. Those animals close to the pool might reach the water early in the evening. Animals from a distance may require a number of nights to reach the pool. There are 3 spotted and 2 blue-spotted salamanders in this picture. Salamanders migrating to a pool are not considered evidence of breeding. |
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24. Salamanders crossing road. Roads are a serious impediment to animal migration, particularly slow moving salamanders. Many communities are making efforts to close sections of roads where large numbers of animals cross on "Big Night". On the other hand, slowly driving roads on rainy nights while looking for amphibians crossing might suggest the location of vernal pools. |
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25. Spotted salamander congress. When the male spotted salamanders enter the water, they "congress" and go through a mating dance. The males swim about, nuzzling each other and coming to the surface to gulp air. A photograph of a congress is evidence of breeding activity. |
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26. Salamander spermatophores. As congressing progresses, the males will produce spermatophores which are pyramid-shaped plugs of mucus with sperm on them. Each male will produce many spermatophores which might look like bread crumbs on the bottom of the pool. The female places her vent on a spermatophore and sperm enter her cloaca. The eggs are internally fertilized. Spermatophores are evidence of breeding. |
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27. Spotted salamander egg masses. Each fertilized female lays her eggs in one or more masses. The individual eggs are all collectively surrounded by a glob of jelly (slide #34). Masses are attached to vegetation, often in the same area as other masses. Some masses remain clear while others turn white. |
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28. Developing spotted salamander eggs. By May, the masses are often green from a symbiotic algae. Within each egg can be seen the growing salamander larva. Egg masses are evidence of breeding which can be found throughout April, May and into June (variable according to location and weather). |
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29. Spotted eggs and tag. When photographing eggs, a light background held behind the object makes for a better picture. Information can be written on the material to help with identification when sorting pictures later. An identification tag is not required for certification. |
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30. Spotted salamander larva. Salamander larvae reach one inch by late June or early July and two plus inches before emergence. They feed upon daphnia, insect larvae, and other small organisms. This spotted salamander is shown with a fingernail clam. Larvae are evidence of breeding. |
