It's Amphibian Month!

March is a great time of year to get out and enjoy amphibians in all of their glory. Soon, on a warm rainy night, thousands of spotted salamanders will migrate to vernal pools to breed. Spring peepers will fill the night with their choruses, while wood frogs may be heard “quacking” in a much more subdued display of courtship. By the end of the month, egg masses from a variety of species can be observed in vernal pools and shallow wetlands.

During this time, woodland salamanders emerge from subterranean hibernacula to fatten up on springtails, mites, and other forest floor invertebrates. The cool temperatures and a thick layer of leaf litter offer prime conditions for these salamanders to get out, shake off the winter chill, and forage. At night, any number of species can be seen wondering about the forest floor looking for their next meal.

So join us as we explore the Lower Lake Erie Region’s amphibian fauna this month, and as always, thanks for all of your contributions!

Posted on March 4, 2016 11:00 PM by tortuga_rapido