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I should note that the hybrids are no longer considered thier own "species"... they are simply referred to as polyploid populations. They can be very difficult to diagnose based solely on larval features and often require waiting for metamorphosis (in part as you can't use range to differentiate them as they have to coexist with one or more of the parental species). You may have to count teeth as well as count costal grooves. As noted before you may have to do a DNA analysis for a real analysis. If they won't let you take live animals, if there is a road nearby you may be able to collect road kills for DNA analysis.
Ed
Ed
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That sort of reminds me that story about Greece shutting down a highway because it was covered in millions of frogs.
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Actually, the data was from The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. Which was released in 1979, and beyond that has some real flaws... It says A. texanum normally metamorph at 1 and 5/8". Is this accurate?
Thanks!
JBear
Thanks!
JBear
I'd have to dig out my copy of Petranka's book to double check but I do know that many ambystomids metamorph at a very small size in that range and that none of the ones I can think of off the top of my head come out of the water with any of the adult coloration. Usually the adult coloration doesn't come in until more than a month or two later.
Ed
Ed
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I went back to the pool to look for another larv. It was 2 days later. Apparently they fed on whatever they had come for. After 30 mins of serious dip-netting, nothing but piles of common tadpoles.
It is my theory the ambystomid larvs were there feeding on peeper tads as they approach metamorphosis. The ambystomids were floating about 2 inches under the surface, just under the tads gulping air. They looked like sharks! I was very let down that they had moved on to other parts of the vernal system.
I did find a 2" A. texanum at the side of the pool. He was very cool! Didn't have my camera that day...
JBear
It is my theory the ambystomid larvs were there feeding on peeper tads as they approach metamorphosis. The ambystomids were floating about 2 inches under the surface, just under the tads gulping air. They looked like sharks! I was very let down that they had moved on to other parts of the vernal system.
I did find a 2" A. texanum at the side of the pool. He was very cool! Didn't have my camera that day...
JBear
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Colbert - Tunnel Vision - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - 04/27/99 - Video Clip | Comedy Central
It is (was) in fact used somewhat, then the birds learned to stake out the ends for an easy meal.
Gotta love those university towns................
Deb
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This larv is currently 1 and 3/8". The back fin has receeded a bit but the gills are still quite large. Any guesses as to what it is?
JBear
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Gonna say texanum. Definitely not an opacum, doubt it's a spotted, and I doubt any of the other choices. You and I should go salamandering at some point. It's pretty much what I spent every weekend from March to early June doing this year. Frogs are great but salamanders are superior!
Gyrinophilus porphyriticus danielsi - Blue Ridge Spring Salamander by John P Clare, on Flickr
Gyrinophilus porphyriticus danielsi - Blue Ridge Spring Salamander by John P Clare, on Flickr
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John-Gonna say texanum. Definitely not an opacum, doubt it's a spotted, and I doubt any of the other choices. You and I should go salamandering at some point. It's pretty much what I spent every weekend from March to early June doing this year. Frogs are great but salamanders are superior!
Gyrinophilus porphyriticus danielsi - Blue Ridge Spring Salamander by John P Clare, on Flickr
I would love to take you to some spots, and would love to see where you have success as well! It would be a lot of fun! I am sure we would get some amazing pics! Let me know!
JBear
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