Caudata.org: Newts and Salamanders Portal

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Did you know that registered users see fewer ads? Register today!

Searched for larvae in vernal pools today, struck out. Is it too late in Massachusetts?

Starcraft

Member
Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
30
Reaction score
1
Location
North Shore, MA
I checked some spots which have yielded spotted salamanders and others before to other field herpers but this was my first excursion. I did see some shallow pools but after staring into them for a few minutes I saw no movement. The pools did seem like they had a thick layer of leaf litter on the bottom, do larvae typically hide in the leaf litter? I figured that was the case but still expected to see some larvae out and about. How long before the vernal pools are devoid of salamander larvae? Are the breeding adults likely to be around? Perhaps under logs or leaves?
 

Linus

Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2009
Messages
516
Reaction score
23
Location
Massachusetts
It's July and I'm still wondering this, and they do usually hide in the leaf-litter at the bottom of the pools.. so it's worth bringing a net and making a few scoops! Where in MA are you located? I'm in the Attleboro area
 

Kaysie

Site Contributor
Joined
Mar 10, 2003
Messages
14,465
Reaction score
110
Location
North Dakota
Larvae will readily hide in the leaf litter. Take a net, and dump your contents into a tupperware, and slowly pick out the leaves, and voila! Larvae!

Or you can do like Otterwoman did one time when we were herping and snatch a larva right out of the leaves bare handed.
 

Linus

Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2009
Messages
516
Reaction score
23
Location
Massachusetts
HAHAHA that takes some keen reflexes, go otterwoman! Must have native american in her blood ;]

Kaysie do you think there would be any sals left in vernal pools at this time of year on the east coast?
 

Kaysie

Site Contributor
Joined
Mar 10, 2003
Messages
14,465
Reaction score
110
Location
North Dakota
It's a possibility, unless the ponds have dried up and then refilled.

If the ponds have remained intact and fairly deep all summer, animals usually start morphing around August.
 

Molch

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 28, 2010
Messages
1,385
Reaction score
36
dang, I wanna go herping with you folks. You look like a fun bunch.
 
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
    There are no messages in the chat. Be the first one to say Hi!
    Top