Help with Desmognathus eggs

[heavysleaze]

UPDATE: The larvae are about 2 weeks old now and all are still doing fine. No casualties. I have brine shrimp and microworm cultures for them when they lose their yolk sac.

I am still trying to identify their mother. Any ideas? I put a red worm in the feeding enclosure to help you guys get an idea of size. Needless to say I retrieved the worm and chopped it and she gobbled it all up shortly after this photo taken. Less than 3 inches from head to tip of tail.

 

[Yahilles]

Is there a possibility that this sal could be Desmognathus orestes? I don't know about their range, i'm basing only on the colouration, which, i know, might be an uncertain characteristic.

 

[heavysleaze]

For those interested. Jim Petranka has identified this female as a member of the Dusky Mountain complex. Most likely a hybrid of D. ocoee and D. carolinensis based on location, etc. Thanks Tim for hooking me up with Mr. Petranka. He's been a great help. Thanks for everyone's help on this.

 

[taherman]

Cool, glad to help. I figured he would know best, especially given the location.

Tim

 

[heavysleaze]

Quick update. All these guys are doing great. The larvae are still going strong, only one loss which I have contributed to a water change taking its toll. These guys are growing ever so slowly. They are 3 months old and are barely an inch. Will update with pics soon.