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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55.Red spotted newt (adult and eft). Newts are facultative to vernal pools, breeding in permanent and semi-permanent waters. The adult newt (left) may feed in pools in which it does not breed. The eft stage (right) is terrestrial and might be found in the woods near pools. |
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56. Spotted turtle. The spotted turtle is a facultative which likes the shallow waters of bogs, marshes and vernal pools. Its eggs may be laid in the tussocks of the pool. It also wanders to vernal pools as a feeding resource where it eats spotted salamander eggs among other foods. Little is known about the stability of spotted turtle populations, yet spotted turtle were dropped from the list of "Species of Special Concern" in Massachusetts in 2006. |
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57. Blanding's turtle. The Blanding's turtle is a facultative species which uses kettle holes, vernal pools etc. as a feeding resource. It is rare and unevenly distributed in the state. Recent sightings in Eastern Massachusetts of this Threatened Species have been in vernal pools. Report any sightings to the NHESP. |
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58. Wood turtle. The wood turtle is an upland species which ventures to water in the summer heat. It may use vernal pools and adjacent habitat as a feeding resource. The wood turtle is an organism of Special Concern and should be reported to the NHESP when seen. |
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59. Ribbon snake. The ribbon snake is similar in appearance to the common garter snake but is more aquatic in habitat. It is often found near and in water, usually in the vegetation at the edge. Its diet consists mainly of the adults and larvae of frogs, toads, and salamanders and some insects. |
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60. Wood ducks. Wood ducks nest in tree cavities near water. They will utilize large vernal pools for nesting and habitat if a suitable nesting site is available. They prefer wetlands with a brushy overstory for concealment. Wood ducks feed on vegetation in |
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61. White-tailed deer. Deer certainly do not use vernal pools for breeding, but they are representative of the many organisms which venture to pools for water and food. A number of reptiles, birds and mammals visit vernal pools. Look in the mud at pool edges for tracks of visiting animals. |
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62. Fingernail clams and flat snail. A number of species of small fingernail clams are found in a variety of wetlands. One species is obligate to vernal pools yet others are also found there. They feed on detritus and microorganisms filtered from the water. Flat snails and turret snails (not shown) are abundant in vernal pools where they feed on vegetation including leaves. |
