Here's a picture of a large gravid Spotted Salamander as well as the rare Blue-spotted Salamander taken in Newton earlier this week. These vernal pool breeding species have been on the move with the recent rain. The Blue-spotted Salamander is listed as a species of Special Concern in Massachusetts and is protected pursuant to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. This species has a fascinating and bizarre means of reproduction which will I will describe in a future posting. I am collaborating with other researchers across the state in collecting tissue samples from this species this spring for a genetics study.
Monday, March 30, 2009
On the move
Here's a picture of a large gravid Spotted Salamander as well as the rare Blue-spotted Salamander taken in Newton earlier this week. These vernal pool breeding species have been on the move with the recent rain. The Blue-spotted Salamander is listed as a species of Special Concern in Massachusetts and is protected pursuant to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. This species has a fascinating and bizarre means of reproduction which will I will describe in a future posting. I am collaborating with other researchers across the state in collecting tissue samples from this species this spring for a genetics study.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Mourning Cloak
First butterfly of the season over Washington Street. The Mourning Cloak overwinters as an adult, and can sometimes be seen flying in late winter.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
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