Last week I documented a "Big Night" Migration of the spotted salamander. Well, I visited the vernal pools and there are lots of egg masses. I will be monitoring these until they transform. I will periodically post updates with there progress.
There were thousands of spermatophores at the vernal pools today which was somewhat disappointing. I expected there to be many more egg masses.
http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/45333/2429476860044328243S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2429476860044328243gVKjrf)
Male spotted salamanders head to the vernal pools first to deposit spermatophores. Females then arrive and collect these spermataphores to fertilize their eggs.
Females will then lay eggs. A firm thick jelly will surround the egg masses that are usually attached to submerged vegetation.
http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/12547/2669297440044328243S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2669297440044328243oTARxh)

http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/48523/2651352920044328243S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2651352920044328243dekOCe)

http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/45753/2472833240044328243S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2472833240044328243QXNgQR)

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/44731/2533893520044328243S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2533893520044328243NVjplO)

They certainly didn't waste any time did they? :D

Thanks for the updates. Nice shots to see what's going on.

Soon there will be large amounts of larvae. Very nice. Do male and females not encounter one another at all?

Dan

The males are still in the pools when the females arrive. They dance around the females in an attempt to get the females to pick up their spermatophores.

That is really cool, saw the other post with them together and now you can document the progress plus watching them change is always fun...

Nice finds man!

Sure doesn't sound like my idea of a fun way to mate but meh. :lol:

Great shots and thanks for keeping us up on the progress. This should prove very interesting as it goes forward.

Cool post..... keep them coming. :yes:

Fascinating stuff. I look forward to your updates!

nice work crucifer.
appreciate your effort.
ck

Sure doesn't sound like my idea of a fun way to mate but meh. :lol:


Thats what I was thinking! :lol:

Very cool shots! Never seen this before!