Hi Benjamin & Paul. They are indeed cute. No, they aren't on loan. I haven't got around to ascertaining genders (or taking belly shots) yet, but I will. I do have a three-day weekend!
About sensing that something sets them apart from
C. cyanurus, At this point, I really can't say much myself in that regard, being new to
C. cyanurus and all. Call me a cop-out, but I see myself as just in charge of providing the raw material for discussion
I'm twiddling my thumbs waiting to see what Nate and others (Angus especially if he opts to join in) have to say.
As to whether they could be a new species or new subspecies, I was just saying to Jesper in chat that I wonder why we never hear about "races" when it comes to
C. cyanurus or even
C. orientalis.
C.pyrrhogaster is regarded as having a number of races, but these aren't referred to as subspecies. What's the difference between a subspecies and a race? A subspecies is obviously more differentiated than a race, but where is the line drawn and on the basis of what?
Hi William. Thanks! I'm in a great mood this weekend, as you can imagine. I was greatly relieved that they all arrived safely. The weather here sure cooperated (nice n' cool). As for the newt in the second pic, well, I was guessing the tail coloration might have something to do with it being a male, but I haven't ascertained its gender yet. You mean the blue on foot of the hind leg? That's no trick of light. I'll get a close-up shot for you
Jesper, thanks for that clarification! But I'd still like to know the size of these spots that are talked about...
(Message edited by TJ on October 09, 2004)