Southern California Taricha torosa Field Report with Pics and Vids

[AaronK]

Hello
I went and visited the local population of Taricha torosa late in the breeding season. Videos to come!

 

[Azhael]

Thank you very much for sharing these photos, those are some gorgeous animals.
Lovely place too....man, i want to go herping..

Nice shots of the water scorpion too, fascinating creature!

 

[AaronK]

Thank you Azhael. The water insect had what looks like fungus on it.

Videos!

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[Wolferic]

The fungus could be the glue like substance that helps keep those eggs held onto its back? YOu did realize those were eggs on its back?

 

[Azhael]

Indeed, that´s not fungus, that´s a male (i believe) with the eggs glued to the elytrons.
It´s a very unusual and interesting case of parental care.