Eggs everywhere, is there a dad?

[ChristineB]

My p. waltl laid eggs. I cleared them out, then they laid more. This is the third day in a row with eggs. Some are light centers, most are dark centers. Brownie seemed to get very plump and then shrink down, and has been curling in a circle near plants; pretty sure she laid some. Both the leucs are very round and both have been hanging around plants. Not sure if I've seen spermatophores or just egg jelly. Behaviorally, all three have been kind of rubbing on each other (newt snuggling!) But nobody has nuptial pads and I haven't seen amplexus. Gussy never sits still, extremely active and has been yawning and doing those goofy vampire arms (hands held up to the sides of the head). A couple of yesterday's eggs I missed have turned solid white.

Here are pics of the newts from a couple days ago. I'm hearing that at least Brownie and Finknottle are female, but trying to pin down if Gussy is male, or just a theatrical female. (Some of today's eggs are on delicate new plantings so I'll probably delay removing and will update if they seem fertile.)

Brownie pics:

Finknottle pics:

Gussy pics:

 

[michael]

Time will tell but if you saw no amplexus I have my doubts. If you want a male let me know.

 

[ChristineB]

If the big cloaca looks like it could be female to you, that is good enough for me! Plus it makes sense because it kinda looked like Gussy was laying eggs today. Actually three females is perfect, if they lay eggs like this without a male, I would be quickly overrun with newts if I actually had one! :grin: Maybe next year if I'm done with all my other home improvement projects I'll be ready to take on a giant horde of larvae and want a male.

 

[ChristineB]

Great, I didn't expect so much variation in the cloacas on all females, but if they look female to you that's good enough for me! I think if they lay this much without a male, I would be overrun with newts if I actually got a male. :grin: Maybe next year if I'm done with all my home improvement projects I'll think about raising a horde of larvae, but for now my three girls seem just right for their tank: plenty of room but you can always find them.