My annual herping fix!

[Azhael]

We´ve been having a monsoon season which looks like will get worse in the next few days. I really thought i would not get to go herping because of the really bad weather. However, we took a chance this afternoon just in case we got lucky (and just in case we can´t go out of the house for the next week xD) and it turned out to be a fine afternoon.
Unfortunately the weird weather seems to have delayed breeding season for most caudates as i found more individuals last year in mid summer than i have today. On the plus side, it was a male I.a.cyreni bonanza. I never thought this would happen to me, but after a while i stop catching them because i just couldn´t be arsed anymore xD
Spring hasn´t arrived yet to this part of the country and there was a significant lack of amphibious activity, but i still managed to see some pretty amazing animals.

First, the I.a.cyreni male stravaganza:

 

[Azhael]

Now a lovely little metamorph.

And a very pretty Lissotriton helveticus male.

 

[Azhael]

And finally, the Triturus marmoratus pair. The male was HUGE. Everytime it flicked its tail i was afraid one of the smaller newts might get obliterated.

 

[Azhael]

And because i just can´t help myself, a group shot and a picture of one of the very few plants that had yet flowered.

PS: Eat your heart out , Chris .

 

[froggy]

I know, I know - I should have found a way to come with....beautiful animals, especially the alpines. That female marmoratus looks fit to burst with eggs!

Was this in the same place with the troughs as you visited before?

Good luck if you manage to go back again! Maybe next year I'll be able to afford the travel...

C

 

[Azhael]

Yep, same place.
In truth, although i´m sure to be smitten by the Gods of Herping if i dare complain, this wasn´t the best visit, so i´ve been unable to really rub it in as i intended to. I also visited the other trough i mentioned in that other thread but there were only a few male L.helveticus and nothing else...very frustrating as i´m dying to see the marmoratus of that area which are said to be gorgeous.

Hopefully next year, Chris, it´d be so great. And hopefully, we´ll have much better luck and see so many animals our brains will collapse.