Central newt

[croteseeker]

It's been a long, cold winter in Northern Michigan and we got a late start on the herping season. (4.5 meters of snow this year, and it took it's sweet time melting off.) I finally got to get out during the first warm rain of the year and I was rewarded with this. This is a pseudo-lifer for me, as I've seen them before but never photographed one.

Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis


DSCF2954 by crotalus_cerberus83, on Flickr

Since I do so love landscapes, I'll leave you with a shot of the habitat where this animal was found.


DSCF3013 by crotalus_cerberus83, on Flickr

Happy herping.

[Westley Price]

Sjoe, habitat looks difficult to herp, and gumboots is a must!

I love the colour of the newt, especially the bright orange spots on the flanks.

I am watching the Life in Cold Blood series (again) and I just love the evolutionary history of the newts and salamanders. Such an interesting group of animals.

[croteseeker]

Thanks, Westley. This is definitely my favorite amphibian find to date.

Believe it or not, this is actually one of the easiest habitats for herping that I've found here, right behind open fields and oak savannah. These mature woods have a high canopy that keeps the understory thin enough for easy travel. It's all these young, dense swamps and thickets that have taken the most adjustment. I'll include some shots of the places I herp in other posts. I'm sure you'll be able to see what I mean.

You're definitely right about the boots, though. All that water is ice and snowmelt, and I'm quickly learning how well cold feet can sap you of your resolve. It doesn't take much time in that water before I'm ready to tell you where my grandmother hides her money, and to hell with looking for herps.

[Bushviper]

We dont have anything like that here so it is always interesting to see what you are up to.

[croteseeker]

Thanks, Bushviper. There are at least a dozen salamander species in Michigan, so hopefully I can find a few more to show you guys this summer. (It's the very least I can do to repay you guys for all the awesome snake photos. )