C.e.popei: conditions mix needed for breeding?

[unclealex]

This is the second winter without success in breeding my c.e.popei group. In both ocasions males get turgent cloacae and fan their tails like crazy, but no eggs are laid.

Last year it could be because the females were too young (about 1.5 y.o), but this winter they seemed to have reached adulthood and be ready.

I keep them all year in an aquatic setup with plenty of floating cork pieces, which they mainly use in summer when temps are up to 26-27oC. In the winter they are exposed for a couple of months to 9-10oC.

Lighting follows central European natural light patterns.

For those of you that have succeeded breeding them: Is any element missing in my equation? Shall they have a terrestrial phase? Shall I change the winter temperature?

Suggestions welcome.

Alex

 

[Jennewt]

Your temperatures sound fine. In fact, they do not need to get so cold in winter. Down to 15C (60F) is enough. They are still a bit young - the first year that they lay eggs, they only produce a few, so there is still a chance they could produce a few this year. Watch very carefully. What is their temperature right now? Maybe not warm enough yet? Mine lay at around 20C (68-70F).

The only other thing I would suggest is to be sure to include some earthworms in their diet. All year, not just during winter and breeding season.

I do not think that a terrestrial period is necessary. I wish you luck, this spring or next year!

 

[Azhael]

Some animals mature fast, and others don´t, i´m afraid you are going to have to be pacient xD Females specially can take a little longer to be ready (males are usually the first to mature) . Everything sounds good as Jen says, i think it´s only a matter of time.